Tribological properties of oil-impregnated porous PTFE composites using CA as a novel pore-forming agent

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to prepare an oil-impregnated porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite with advanced tribological properties using citric acid as a novel pore-forming agent.

Design/methodology/approach

Citric acid (CA) was used to form pores in PTFE, and then oil-impregnated PTFE composites were prepared. The pore-forming efficiency of CA was evaluated. The possible mechanism of lubrication was proposed according to the tribological properties.

Findings

The results show CA is an efficient pore-forming agent and completely removed, and the porosity of the PTFE increases with the increase of the CA content. The oil-impregnated porous PTFE exhibits an excellent tribological performance, an increased wear resistance of 77.29% was realized in comparison with neat PTFE.

Originality/value

This study enhances understanding of the lubrication mechanism of oil-impregnated porous polymers and guides for their tribological applications.

Citation

Fan, X., Pan, B., Liu, H., Zhao, S., Ding, X., Gao, H., Han, B. and Liu, H. (2024), "Tribological properties of oil-impregnated porous PTFE composites using CA as a novel pore-forming agent", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 76 No. 7/8, pp. 944-952. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-03-2024-0097