Experimental investigation on dry frictional behavior of the two self-lubricating composites under heavy loading conditions

Two novel types of self-lubricating composites such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite and metal–plastic transverse section (SBP) composite were developed. The friction behavior of these composites, reciprocating sliding against stainless steel track in dry friction under heavy loading conditions, was investigated. Experimental results showed that the two self-lubricating composites exhibited low and stable coefficient of dry sliding friction of about 0.05. The time dependent of static friction of PTFE composite was strong, while that of SBP composite weak. Because the actual contact area of PTFE composite great increases with rest time, while that of SBP composite little increases resulting from supporting of thick metal backing under heavy loading conditions. This work is believed to be helpful for understanding of the time-dependence of dry sliding friction between different self-lubricating composites against stainless steel track under heavy loading conditions.