Tribological behavior of graphene-filled polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites

Abstract

For many decades now, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has been used as a solid lubricant in various tribological applications. PTFE offers low friction coefficients during dry sliding against typically encountered countersurfaces, and this ability has been one of the primary reasons for its tribological uses. However, PTFE is known to wear at high rates, which can approach 10⁻³ mm³/Nm, under commonly encountered conditions. Such high wear rates limit its widespread application.