Tribological behavior of hybrid glass/PTFE fabric composites with phenolic resin binder and nano-TiO₂ filler

The unfilled and nano-TiO₂ filled hybrid glass/PTFE fabric composites were prepared by dip coating of the hybrid glass/PTFE fabric in a phenolic resin containing the nano-TiO₂ to be incorporated and successively curing. The friction and wear properties of the resulting hybrid glass/PTFE fabric composites sliding against AISI-1045 steel in a pin-on-disc configuration at various condition were evaluated on a Xuanwu-III high temperature friction and wear tester. The microstructure of the resulting composites and the morphologies of the worn surface were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the addition of proper content nano-TiO₂ significantly improves the wear resistance and load-carrying capacity of the hybrid glass/PTFE fabric composites, moreover enhance the friction-reducing abilities of the composites under high load (≥196.0 N). Sliding conditions, such as environmental temperature and sliding lubricating condition, significantly affect the friction and wear performance of the pure and nano-TiO₂ filled hybrid glass/PTFE fabric composites. The improved tribological performance of 4% nano-TiO₂ filled hybrid glass/PTFE fabric composites can be attributed to the improved structural integrity of the composites, the character of transfer film and the special anti-wear action of nano-TiO₂ during friction process.