Tribological performances of micro/nano-Si3N4–PTFE–EP composites prepared by high-pressure compression molding

Abstract

It is of great significance to improve the tribological performances of self-lubricating system to reduce the exfoliation of abrasive particles. In this work, tribological performances of Si3N4–PTFE–EP self-lubricating composites with surface-modified micro/nano-Si3N4 (20 nm, 100 nm, 500 nm, 1–3 μm, and 10 μm) prepared by high-pressure (3 GPa) compression molding are investigated systematically. The results show that although the surface modification of nano-Si3N4 can improve tribological performances of Si3N4–PTFE–EP composite, Si3N4 particle size is the more critical factor. When Si3N4 particle size is 10 μm, the tribological performances of 70M–Si3N4–30PTFE–EP, 50M–Si3N4–50PTFE–EP, and 30M–Si3N4–70PTFE–EP composites are optimal.