Mechanism of MWCNTs enhancing the tribological performances of epoxy resin/PTFE/polyphenylene sulfide fiber self-lubricating liner

Self-lubricating liners affect the performance of joint bearings and their wear resistance has a significant effect on the service life of bearings. In this research, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used to modify epoxy resin and prepared epoxy resin/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), to produce self-lubricating MWCNTs/epoxy resin/PTFE/PPS fabric liners and explore their tribological performance. The frictional coefficient decreased from 0.13 for epoxy resin/PTFE/PPS at 15 MPa to 0.108 for MWCNTs/epoxy resin/PTFE/PPS, and the wear depth decreased from 0.342 mm to 0.252 mm. The wear mechanism was analyzed and the results demonstrate that the addition of MWCNTs can effectively enhance the wear resistance of self-lubricating fabric liners. MWCNTs form amide bonds with amine curing agents, improving interfacial adhesion and reducing PTFE fracture. The tubular structure of MWCNTs can promote the formation of transfer films and enhance their stability. During the friction process, MWCNTs forms a synergistic lubrication effect with PTFE, improving the frictional properties of the liners.