A comparative study on mechanical integrity and tribological performance of innovative 3D fabric liners versus conventional 2D fabrics

Fabric-reinforced lubricating bearing liners used in aerospace and heavy machinery applications must endure severe wear and high thermal loads. To address these challenges, this study introduces an innovative three-dimensional (3D) fabric liner structure specifically designed for lubricating applications. The liner is composed of aramid fiber (AF) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), both chosen for their superior mechanical strength and thermal resistance. The newly developed 3D AF/PTFE composite exhibits significantly enhanced mechanical performance and a 44% reduction in wear rate compared to conventional 2D counterparts. These improvements are primarily ascribed to the composite’s excellent structural integrity and heightened interlaminar shear strength. The findings suggest that 3D AF/PTFE fabrics offer substantial promise as continuous thermal conduction substrates in applications.