Effect of Rare Earths Modification of Glass Fiber on Friction and Wear Properties of PTFE Composite

Silane coupling agent SG-Si900 (SGS), a solution of rare earth elements containing SG-Si900 (SGS/RES), and a solution of rare earth elements (RES) were used to modify glass fiber surface, respectively. The friction and wear properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite, filled with glass fiber modified with rare earths, under oil lubrication were investigated. The worn surfaces were analyzed by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that, the friction- reducing and anti-wear properties of the PTFE composite filled with modified glass fiber are enhanced, compared with that of the PTFE composite filled with unmodified glass fiber. The effect of RES is the most obvious, that of SGS/RES is the second, and that of SGS the third. The wear of the PTFE composite, filled with glass fiber modified with rare earths, is characterized by slight wear under oil lubrication. This is attributed to that using rare earths to modify the glass fiber surface can largely improve the interfacial adhesion between the glass fiber and PTFE. The rare earths modified glass fiber filled PTFE composite exhibits excellent friction and wear properties.