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Fillers and Additives to Enhance the Tribological Properties of PTFE


PTFE has the lowest coefficient of friction of any polymer known to mankind. However, once we’ve added the fillers and additives needed to improve its mechanical properties, it may not have such low friction.

Abrasion-Testing.jpgImage Source

Consider this: virgin PTFE has a coefficient of dynamic friction on the order of 0.04 to 0.06, but adding carbon fiber raises it up to 0.18 and glass can raise it up to 0.5 (yes, about 10x more friction). Fortunately, there are fillers and additives that can improve the coefficient of friction, and we’re going to take a look at some of the more common ones.

MoS 2

One additive that works wonders for bring the coefficient of friction down is Molybdenum disulfide, sometimes referred to in the industry as Moly. When added to PTFE with 15% glass fiber, the coefficient of friction goes from 0.5 to 0.15, which is much closer to virgin PTFE. When added to PTFE, Moly is typically combined with bronze or glass to reduce friction and improve wear characteristics.

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Factors That Influence Polymer Bushing Performance: Speed and Pressure – Part 2 in a 3 Part Series

Two values that are very key to the performance of a polymer bushing are the speed and pressure. In this second article of the series, we are going to review how to determine them and what effect they have on bushing performance.

Speed

Running speed is also called bearing speed or surface speed. How you determine depends on how the bushing is going to be used. If it is a rotary bushing, the equation is:

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Factors that Influence Polymer Bushing Performance: Mating Hardware – Part 1 in a 3 Part Series

The mating hardware can make or break the life and effectiveness of a polymer bushing.  

The key characteristics of the mating hardware that affect bushing life are the hardness and the surface finish. In this article we are going to discuss the general guidelines for surface roughness, finish, and hardness when using polymer bushings.

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