Mechanical and tribological properties of PA66/PPS blend. II. Filled with PTFE

Abstract

AbstractThe mechanical and tribological properties of 70 vol % PA66/30 vol % PPS blend filled with different content of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) were studied in this paper. It was found that the addition of PTFE impairs the mechanical properties of PA66/PPS blend, but greatly increases the wear resistance and decreases the friction coefficient. When PTFE content exceeds 20 vol %, the friction coefficient of composite is minimum (0.15) and lower than that of pure PTFE under the same conditions (0.22). The lowest wear volume (0.44 mm3) is obtained with PA66/PPS/30 vol % PTFE composite, which decreased by 91% compared with unfilled PA66/PPS blend (4.99 mm3). The topography of transfer film and the elemental distribution were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS), respectively. Because of the characteristic crystalline structure, PTFE preferentially transferred to the steel ring surface and formed a thin, uniform and firmly adhered transfer layer, which reduced the ability of PA66/PPS blend to transfer and prevent the adhesion between the sample and the couterface. In addition, the superior lubrication of PTFE inhibited the frictional heat melting during sliding. All these aspects are close related to the friction and wear behavior of PA66/PPS/PTFE composite. Upon the addition of PTFE, thermal control of friction regime is not applicable to the PA66/PPS blend. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 969–977, 2006