Film-forming mechanisms for self-lubricating radial spherical plain bearings with hybrid PTFE/aramid fabric liners modified by ultrasonic

• The hybrid PTFE/aramid fabric liners were creatively modified by ultrasonic.
• Tests about the radial spherical plain bearings with the liners were carried out.
• Continuous and stable PTFE transfer films formed in shorter time on wear surfaces.
• Abrasion resistance of the liners can be improved by ultrasonic modification.

PTFE/aramid woven fabric liners were modified by ultrasonic. With self-made wear tester, tribological properties of the self-lubricating radial spherical plain bearings with modified and unmodified liners over swivel times were investigated. With scanning electron microscope and energy disperse spectroscopy, the film-forming mechanisms were analyzed. Results show: ultrasonic modification can improve tribological performances of the liners. Through ultrasonic modification, continuous and stable PTFE transfer films which had better wear resistance formed in a shorter time. Bearings with modified liners occurred slight adhesive wear, while the bearings with unmodified liners occurred serious adhesive wear and abrasive wear during the test process.