The effect of vapor-grown carbon fiber (VGCF) content on the mechanical properties and abrasion resistance of VGCF/PTFE composites

The effect of vapor-grown carbon fiber (VGCF) content on the mechanical properties and abrasion resistance of a VGCF/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite was investigated. A resin powder of PTFE of 50 μm in diameter was used as the matrix. The resin and VGCF were mixed by a blender mill with the VGCF content in the range 0–3 wt%. Tensile testing was performed on an Instron type tensile testing machine at a crosshead speed of 10 mm/min (strain rate: 6 × 10−3/s), using smooth and V-notched tensile specimens. Thermal conductivity (λ) was measured using the laser flash method. The coefficient of dynamic friction (μ′) was measured using the ball-on-disc method. The results show that the tensile strength of VGCF/PTFE composites was lower than that of the PTFE matrix and decreased as the VGCF content increased due to the weak bonding between the VGCF and PTFE matrix. The abrasion resistance of PTFE was enhanced by the addition of VGCF-H. 2013 (No. 259) 255–60.]