Evaluation of the Performance of PTFE-Composites as Antifriction Layers in Supporting Parts with a Spherical Segment

— For the primary assessment of the operability of a number of filled polymer composites based on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a material of antifriction layers, Brinell hardness, stiffness under free compression up to 10% deformation, stiffness under tight compression up to 160 MPa, friction coefficients and resistance to reverse sliding according to the plane-by-plane scheme of polished austenitic stainless steel were studied at room temperature as a counterbody. Seven types of PTFE-based composites filled with coke, bronze, colloidal graphite, as well as modified carbon fiber with a fluoropolymer coating and various additives (composites of the Superfluvis family) were studied. According to the totality of indicators, the composites of the Superfluvis family are superior to materials filled with coke or bronze, and the material filled with colloidal graphite as the main filler did not pass the tests for resistance to reverse sliding. The performance of the Superfluvis composite based on PTFE PN90 in reverse sliding tests under the pressure of 65 MPa at a distance of 10 000 m has been confirmed.