Friction-Wear Characteristics of Self-Lubricating Composites Developed for Vacuum Service

Abstract

The friction-wear characteristics in air and in vacuum are reported for a group of composites that have recently been developed for ultra high vacuum service. They have demonstrated their ability to carry loads of 1400 psi with low self-wear and negligible wear of the surfaces against which they slide. These composites, made up of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and a solid lubricant distributed throughout a metal matrix, have been utilized as self-lubricating components in ball bearings operating in environments that conventional lubricants cannot tolerate. These environments include high vacuum (10⁻⁸ torr) and temperatures from -180 to 400 F.