Tech Talk Blog

Recent improvements in the pretreatment of certain fillers used in PTFE compounds has dramatically improved wear life. Carbon fibers are traditionally used for improving strength, heat transfer and electrical properties of PTFE. However, new chemical enhancements of the carbon fiber has resulted in dramatic tribological advances. By treating the fibers with plasma first, it prepares the surface for other chemical attachments. Experiments with nitric acid, amino silanes and two rare earth solutions showed varying degrees of improvement in both friction and wear. The best combination was plasma followed by a rare earth sol comprised of lanthanum oxide. This showed a reduction of dynamic friction to 0.054 and a K factor of 3.4, both exceptional numbers for a PTFE compound. New chemical modifications of fillers are being introduced which will lead to even more interesting new opportunities for seals, bearings and other dynamic application of PTFE compounds.

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Composite self lubricating bearings take advantage of superior strength from filament or laminate wound structure. Add to that a variety of lubricating media like PTFE, MOS2, Graphite and combine with abrasion resistant, high strength woven liners and you have the makings of super bearings! Composite bearings are primarily applied to high load, low speed applications however new liner materials allow for speeds up to 500 feet per minute without lubrication. Another unique quality of composite bearings is they love to be under water. Excellent materials for marine applications under water, deck side and dock side.

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