Humidity responsive lubrication mechanisms of La2O3-Serpentine-PTFE composites

Abstract

The tribological performance of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites depend heavily on their composition and working conditions. Although PTFE composites have been widely studied, the combined effects of hybrid fillers under different environments require further exploration to optimize performance for engineering applications. This study introduces a novel approach by systematically investigating the friction and wear characteristics of PTFE composites reinforced with a unique combination of sub-nano La₂O₃ and nano-serpentine, employing a uniform experimental design methodology. The motivation behind this research stems from the growing demand for advanced polymer composites with enhanced wear resistance and adaptability to diverse operational environments. The results demonstrate that the hybrid composite containing 5.08 % La₂O₃ and 12.86 % serpentine achieves a remarkable low wear rate of 1.1581 × 10⁻⁵ mm³/(N·m), representing a 96 % reduction compared to pure PTFE. Through comprehensive characterization including tribological testing and SEM analysis, we elucidate the underlying wear mechanisms and identify optimal composite formulations for specific humidity conditions. These findings provide practical insights and guidance for the engineering application of advanced polymer composites, building bridges in the field of tribology and material science.