The effect of composite structural parameters on tribo‐mechanical characteristics and thermal conductivity of self‐lubricant composites

Abstract This article aims to look into the impact of structural parameters on the tribological, mechanical, and thermal functions of composites. These parameters include the reinforcement type, the winding angle and winding type. The tribological characteristics of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/epoxy filament wound composites with various reinforcements including E‐glass, Kevlar, and ultra‐high‐molecular weight polyethylene were examined under two different loads and the sliding velocity of 0.12 m/s. After the wear test, the worn surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The compressive strength of the composites was considered under static loading conditions to investigate the mechanical properties. Also, the thermal conductivity of the composites was investigated. Interfacial shear strength (IFSS) was measured by applying a single fiber microdroplet pullout test. The tribological and mechanical performance of the composites containing Kevlar reinforcement fibers was found to be better than that of PE and glass. The winding angle of 55° showed a better performance, and the hybrid winding type was more suitable than the layered one. So in general, it could be concluded that the hybrid‐Kevlar/PTFE‐55° composite exhibited the best tribological and mechanical performance among all composites. The thermal conductivity of hybrid‐Kevlar/PTFE‐55° composites was not high; therefore, it was increased by tungsten carbide (WC). According to the microdroplet test results, IFSS was the highest between Kevlar fibers and the matrix; it was raised by employing WC. The reported results may facilitate the development of self‐lubricant composites embedded in WC fillers applicable in bearings.