Influence of high temperature on the tribological properties of hybrid PTFE/Kevlar fabric composite

The tribological properties of PTFE/Kevlar fabric are extremely important for the service behavior of self-lubricating and maintenance-free joint bearings in aviation, aerospace and other fields that require high wear performance at different temperatures. This paper aims at investigating the influence of the ambient temperature on the tribological properties of hybrid PTFE/Kevlar fabric through reciprocating wear tests. The wear loss, surface damage morphology and tribo-chemical behaviors of PTFE/Kevlar at the temperature range of 25–200 °C are first analyzed. The wear mechanisms, damage behaviors and their transitions with the increase in the ambient temperature and reciprocating cycles are then systematically discussed. This information can provide a guide to master the range of safe use and the optimization of materials.