Morphology Analysis of Friction Surfaces of Composites Based on PTFE and Layered Silicates

In the present study, the tribological behavior of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites filled with natural layered silicates (LS) was investigated. The change in the morphology of the friction surface of composites depending on the content and chemical composition of layered silicates has been shown. The friction surface of PTFE composites with layered silicates was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The formation on the friction surface of a special layer with a structure different from the bulk of the polymer, which is formed from particles of fillers and wear products, has been established. The thickness of this layer is independent of the content of layered silicates in the polymer. It was indicated that wear debris of PTFE composites was assembled during friction and uniformly cover the friction surface layer by layer, thereby forming a protective layer.