Tribological and physical properties of PTFE-NBR self-lubricating composites under water lubrication

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the possibility of converting the nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) water-lubricated bearing material into a self-lubricating bearing material by the action of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles and water lubrication.

Design/methodology/approach

A group of experimental studies was carried out on a ring-on-block friction test. The physical properties, tribological properties and interface structure of PTFE-NBR self-lubricating composites filled with different percentages of PTFE particles were investigated.

Findings

The experimental results indicated that the reduction in friction and wear is a result of the formation of the lubricating film on the surface of the composites. The lubricating film was formed of a large amount of PTFE particles continuously supplied under water lubrication conditions and the PTFE particles here can greatly enhance the load capacity and lubrication performance.

Originality/value

In this study, the tribological properties of PTFE particles added to the NBR water-lubricated bearing materials under water lubrication were investigated experimentally, and the research was carried out by a ring-on-block friction test. It is believed that this study can provide some guidance for the application of PTFE-NBR self-lubricating.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2020-0187/

Citation

Feng, W., Yin, L., Han, Y., Wang, J., Xiao, K. and Li, J. (2021), "Tribological and physical properties of PTFE-NBR self-lubricating composites under water lubrication", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 73 No. 1, pp. 82-87. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-05-2020-0187