Study on tribological behaviors of copper coated graphite filled PTFE composites

The microstructures, mechanical properties and tribological behaviors of copper coated graphite and copper-graphite mixture filled PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) based composites were studied. The anti-compression, anti-elongation and antiwear behaviors of copper coated graphite filled PTFE based composites are better than that of copper-graphite mixture filled PTFE based composites with the same filler content, because the surfacial treatment of copper coating graphite can improve the bonding of filler and PTFE and keep the continuity of the polymer matrix. Due to the porous structure and tiny crystal particle of the coated copper, the copper coated graphite filled PTFE based composites have better transfer properties and would not make harmful action to the counterpart surface.