Abstract
The friction and wear resistance of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites can be enhanced by incorporating nickel-coated graphite. An electroless coating method employing Gin plates (418A, 418B) is utilized to produce nickel-coated graphite. X-ray diffractometer analysis reveals the presence of nickel and graphite peaks in the coated graphite powders at 44° and 26.4°, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images confirm the presence of nickel coating on graphite particles. Tribological tests using a pin-on-disc tribometer (L9) demonstrate that composites filled with 20 wt.% Nickel-coated graphite exhibits the lowest wear rate of 220 µm, compared to 1166 µm for pure PTFE specimens. The notable improvement in wear resistance is attributed to enhanced bonding strength between the filler and matrix material. Pure PTFE exhibits varying coefficient of friction (CoF) at different parameters, with the highest and lowest CoF observed at 200 rpm, 20N and 180 rpm, 10 N, respectively. Optimal parameters for minimizing wear rate and CoF, determined through analysis of means, include a 20 wt.% filler concentration, disc speed of 180 rpm, and 10N load. Analysis of variance identifies composition and speed as primary factors affecting wear and CoF.
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