Effect of ZrB₂ particles incorporation on high-temperature tribological properties of hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric/phenolic composite

The thermal stability of polymer matrix composite could effectively improve by incorporation of highly thermally conductive ceramic materials into polymers. In present work, hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric/phenolic composite specimens were prepared with zirconium diboride (ZrB₂) particles for the improvement its high-temperature tribological performances. The thermal stability of hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric/phenolic composite was investigated by TGA. The result showed that the thermal stability was improved because of addition of ZrB₂ particles. In addition, it was found that 9 wt% ZrB₂ reinforced hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric/phenolic composite exhibited optimal tribological performances compared to unfilled fabric composite under all test conditions.