Tribological properties of PTFE/aramid fabric composite liner modified by PAO40/Polysulfone/SiO₂ hybrid shell microcapsules

ABSTRACT

Hybrid shell microcapsules have been incorporated into polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/aramid fabric composite liners to enhance the tribological behavior of self-lubricating spherical plain bearings. PAO40/Polysulfone/SiO₂ hybrid shell microcapsules were synthesized utilizing a combination of Pickering emulsification technology and solvent evaporation. The modified liner with 9 wt% microcapsules exhibited the highest reduction in the average friction coefficient and wear rate, which were 31.1% and 47.9% lower than the unmodified liner. Furthermore, the tribological behavior of modified liners was investigated under different loads and sliding speeds. The friction process of the modified liner and the formation process of the transfer film were analyzed. Investigations into the friction reduction mechanism revealed that the PAO-40# released from microcapsules transitioned the friction type from dry to mixed. SiO₂ particles are conducive to forming a denser transfer film by the PTFE abrasive. The results of this study have important scientific significance.

Keywords:

• PAO40/Polysulfone/SiO2 hybrid shell microcapsules
• Self-lubricating liner
• Friction and wear
• Self-lubricating mechanisms

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