Friction and wear of Synfluo 180XF wax and nano-SiO2 filled hybrid glass/PTFE fabric composites with phenolic resin binder

Hybrid glass/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fabric composites filled with micrometre Synfluo 180XF wax (SFW) and nano-SiO2 were prepared by dip coating of hybrid glass/PTFE fabric in phenolic adhesive resin containing the particles to be incorporated and successive curing. The friction and wear behaviours of these hybrid composites sliding against AISI-1045 steel in a pin on disc configuration were evaluated on a high temperature friction and wear tester. The composite structures and the morphologies of the worn surfaces were analysed by means of scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the addition of SFW and nano-SiO2 can improve the wear resistance and friction reduction in the hybrid composite, and the addition of nano-SiO2 endows the composite with best triboperformance. The improved triboperformance of nano-SiO2 or SFW filled hybrid glass/PTFE fabric composites can be attributed to the self-lubricating properties of filler, the improved structural stability and the special characteristics of transfer film.