Abstract: The mechanical and tribological properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites filled with nano-SiC were studied. The effects of content and surface treatment of nano-SiC on the mechanical, friction, and wear properties of PTFE composites were investigated. The tensile fracture surfaces were observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The strengthen mechanism for the composites was explored. It showed that the untreated nano-SiC increased the hardness and wear resistance of PTFE composites in varying degrees. The tensile strength, impact strength, and friction properties of composites were further improved with the nano-SiC being treated with a coupling agent. The surface treatment of nano-SiC resulted in a better interface combination with PTFE matrix and thus a finer dispersion.

Key words: wear, nano-silicon carbide, polytetrafluoroethylene, surface treatment, mechanical property, friction