Wear-Resistant PTFE/SiO2 Nanoparticle Composite Films

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a polymer that is well known for its exceptional tribological properties and, as such, it is commonly used to reduce the coefficient of friction between surfaces. In recent years it has also been established that by incorporating nanoparticle fillers in PTFE, it is possible to extend the polymer's life by reducing its wear rate. Although much study has been placed on bulk PTFE, very little study has been focused on thin films. This article demonstrates that SiO ₂ nanoparticles can be used as a filler to significantly reduce the wear of PTFE thin films while also maintaining a low coefficient of friction. The wear resistance and coefficient of friction of PTFE/SiO ₂ composite films on stainless steel substrates were tested using a linear reciprocating tribometer and compared to pure PTFE films and bare stainless steel to evaluate the benefit of incorporating the SiO ₂ filler in the film. The composite films showed a significant improvement in wear resistance when compared to pure PTFE films. The coefficient of friction for the composite film remained low and stable during a 50 g normal load friction test for a duration of approximately 300 cycles, whereas that of PTFE showed an increasing trend at onset. In addition, of 1.7 and 3.3 wt% SiO ₂ concentrations in solution, 3.3 wt% SiO ₂ showed better performance, with a much higher wear resistance than that of 1.7% SiO ₂ after being subjected to a 1,000-cycle abrasive wear test.