Tribology of polymer blends PBT + PTFE

Abstract

This paper presents results on tribological characteristics for polymer blends made of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This blend is relatively new in research as PBT has restricted processability because of its processing temperature near the degradation one. Tests were done block-on-ring tribotester, in dry regime, the variables being the PTFE concentration (0%, 5%, 10% and 15% wt) and the sliding regime parameters (load: 1, 2.5 and 5 N, the sliding speed: 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 m/s, and the sliding distance: 2500, 5000 and 7500 m). Results are encouraging as PBT as neat polymer has very good tribological characteristics in terms of friction coefficient and wear rate. SEM investigation reveals a quite uniform dispersion of PTFE drops in the PBT matrix. Either considered a composite or a blend, the mixture PBT + 15% PTFE exhibits a very good tribological behavior, the resulting material gathering both stable and low friction coefficient and a linear wear rate lower than each component when tested under the same conditions.