Surface performance of weft‐knitted fabric composites reinforced with polytetrafluoroethylene fibers

Abstract

AbstractWith excellent frictional property, fabric liners are widely employed in automotive, aerospace, and so forth. Weft‐knitted fabric composites with single‐layer and double‐layer fabric structure were prepared by utilizing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Nomex, and polyester multifilament. The weft‐knitted fabric composites are expected to combine PTFE low friction coefficient and Nomex magnificent mechanical property, which has potential in manufacturing fabric liners with low friction, easy adhesion, and high wear resistance. Ball‐on‐disc friction and wear tester, 3D digital microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were applied to test their tribological performance and surface morphology. Fiber friction coefficient was tested, the average friction coefficient, roughness and wear depth of composites were compared and discussed. Results show that PTFE‐polyester double‐layer structure performs preferable fiction coefficient and good wear resistance. The influence of yarn materials along with their combination form, fabric structure on tribological performance of composites were analyzed. In conclusion, the wear mechanism including resin, fiber, yarn fracture, loop structure damage, PTFE lubricating film formation.