Evaluation of Tribological Performance of PTFE Composite Filled with Rare Earth Treated Potassium Titanate Whiskers

Optimum amount of rare earths (RE) for treating potassium titanate whiskers (PTW) surface and effects of different PTW contend on tribologieal behavior of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites under dry friction condition were investigated. Worn surfaces were observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscope(SEM). Experimental results showed that the friction coefficient of PTW/PTFE composites increased with the content of PTW increasing, and the composites performed the best wear resistance occurs at 5wt% PTW content. Moreover, the composites filled with treated PTW performed the best wear resistance occurs at 0.2wt% rare earth content. Under dry friction condition, PTFE composites filled with treated PTW exhibit better tribologieal performance than those of the PTFE composite filled with untreated PTW did. Rare earth elements acting as surface modifier of PTW can increase interfacial adhesion and toughness between PTW and PTFE matrix, and it improves tribologieal performance of the composites.