Investigation of the way to enhance the synergistic effect between polyimide and graphene on the tribological performance of polytetrafluoroethylene composites

Abstract In this article, two different preparation methods were employed to explore the way to maximize the synergistic effect between polyimide (PI) and graphene (Gr) on the friction and wear of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites. Results indicate that the incorporation of Gr into PI firstly is more beneficial for the improvement of tribological performance rather than the blending of Gr and PTFE firstly. The incorporation of Gr into PI firstly enhances the wear resistance of PI/Gr phases. Gr fillers is not taken away easily by the plastic flow of PTFE resin and Gr will accumulate on the wear surface of PI/Gr. The synergistic effect of PI and Gr will play a better role in the friction and wear of PTFE/PI/Gr. However, the wear performance of PI phases cannot be enhanced effectively by the blending of Gr and PTFE firstly. And Gr will be taken away by the severe wear of PTFE phases in PTFE/Gr/PI. Only tiny Gr accumulates on the wear surface of PI phases, the synergistic effect of PI and Gr will not play a better role in friction and wear.