Effect of Several Solid Lubricants on the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Phenolic Resin-Based Composites

The flake graphite, polytetrafluoroethylene, and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) filled phenolic resin-based composites were prepared by hot press molding. The thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties of composites were studied systematically. The morphologies of the worn surfaces and the change of chemical compositions during the sliding process of the composites were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. It was found that the heat-resisting performance and the hardness of the composites are less affected by solid lubricants, while the solid lubricants did harm to the flexural strength of the composites. The friction and wear behaviors of composites highly depended on the volume fractions of solid lubricants and the sliding conditions. The wear resistance increases and the coefficient of friction decreases when the filler load increases. In addition, the appropriate content of solid lubricants is beneficial to reducing the sensitivities of the composites to load and sliding speed. (C) 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers