Polytetrafluoroethylene-Steel Composite Materials as Optimal Sliding Bearing Materials
When designing a machine or mechanical component, choosing the right material for the job is crucial. There are several factors to consider, such as cost, durability, strength, and friction. Among these, friction is often the most important, as the components must move in relation to each other without undue difficulties. For this reason, the ideal material for a sliding bearing is one that has low friction and is durable enough to withstand wear and tear. For these reasons, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-steel composite materials are considered the optimal material for sliding bearings.
PTFE is a synthetic polymer composed of carbon, fluorine, and oxygen atoms. It is renowned for its low friction, its chemical and temperature resistance, and its non-adhesive properties. Steel, in turn, is a strong and reliable material having a hardness greatly superior to that of PTFE. By combining these two materials into one, a highly resistant and incredibly low-friction material is created.
Under normal circumstances, PTFE alone can be used as a sliding bearing material as it offers exceptional benefits. It is self-lubricating and corrosion-resistant, with a co-efficiency of friction of around 0.04. Steel, however, has a co-efficient of friction of 0.77, which is much higher than that of PTFE. When combined, the two materials create an optimal bearing material, with a coefficient of friction of around 0.08 and great resistances to chemicals and temperatures.
This combination also allows for versatile manufacturing options as both materials accept a variety of treatments. PTFE, for example, can be milled and injection-molded, and is also available in different compositions, such as filled and unfilled. Steel, meanwhile, can be machined and can be coated with a variety of different materials. This combination of flexibility and strength results in parts that are strong, reliable, and resistant to wear and tear.
In addition to its mechanical properties, the use of PTFE-steel composite materials has several environmental benefits as well. Due to their low friction, they reduce energy and fuel consumption. This, in turn, decreases the production of greenhouse gases, making these materials a more sustainable option.
As such, PTFE-steel composite materials are regarded as one of the most optimal materials for sliding bearings. Their low friction, versatility, and environmental friendliness make them well suited for a variety of mechanical applications.
