Influence of plasma pre-treatment of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) micropowders on the mechanical and tribological performance of Polyethersulfone (PESU)–PTFE composites

摘要: Abstract Tribological and mechanical properties of Polyethersulfone (PESU) composites, containing pristine plasma modified polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) micro-powders as solid-lubricants have been investigated. Low pressure 2.45 GHz microwave functionalisation PTFE powders was carried out using H 2 NH 3 process gases to introduce functional polar groups on the surfaces enhance their wettability mixing with PESU. As compared (F/C atomic ratio 1.86), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed significant deflourination for both 1.13) 1.30) treated samples along attachment surface moieties. An increase in interaction between functionalised PESU matrix based an glass transition temperature PESU–PTFE composites. The PTFE–PESU composites exhibited nearly 75% higher force absorption capabilities (3.3 kN) than counterparts (0.96 kN). Moreover, a wear rate (3.42±0.51×10 −06  mm /Nm) which half that (5.75±0.80×10 /Nm). Thus, low-pressure modification offers efficient route solid lubricants, like PTFE, enhanced dispersion high-performance polymers.