The tribological properties of porous oil-impregnated PTFE composites prepared by CA pyrolysis synergizing with SBF/FeOCl reinforcements

Purpose This paper aims to enhance the oil retention and tribological properties of porous oil-impregnated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites using short basalt fibers (SBF) loaded with two-dimensional layered nanoparticles iron oxychloride (FeOCl) as reinforcement. Design/methodology/approach The SBF/FeOCl reinforcement was prepared by loading nano-layered FeOCl particles onto SBF via a microwave method. Porous oil-impregnated PTFE composites (PTFE/SBF/FeOCl/G) were then fabricated using citric acid (CA) as a pore-forming agent through cold pressing and heat sintering, followed by computational simulation of the composites. Findings The oil storage and retention properties of the composites were significantly improved. Compared with pure PTFE, the hardness of PTFE/SBF/FeOCl/G increased by 11%, while the average friction coefficient and wear rate decreased by 52.3% and 73.9%, respectively. Computational simulations revealed that FeOCl loading improved the interfacial bonding between the matrix and PTFE. Originality/value This study is expected to promote the application of FeOCl in the field of tribology and the development of porous oil-impregnated polymers in industrial fields. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: Link to the cited website