Tribological behavior of hybrid PTFE/Kevlar fabric composites with nano-Si3N4 and submicron size WS2 fillers

Hybrid PTFE/Kevlar fabric composite specimens were prepared with nano-Si3N4 and/or submicron size WS2 as fillers. The tribological behaviors of these composites were studied. The morphologies of the worn surface, transfer film and debris were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy. In addition, an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer was used for analysis of the elemental distribution and content in the transfer film. The results indicate that single nano-Si3N4 fillers can effectively reduce the wear rate of composites, but they do not reduce the friction coefficient. Hybrid Si3N4 and WS2 fillers can significantly reduce the wear rate and friction coefficient of composites.