Influence of silicone oil on physico-mechanical and tribological properties of hybrid composites reinforced with basalt fiber/PTFE particles based on polyoxymethylene (POM)

The aim of the work was to examine properties of hybrid composites reinforced with basalt fiber (BF) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles based on a polyoxymethylene matrix modified by silicon oil. In the experimental part the basic physico-mechanical properties were determined. Thermal and tribological properties were also investigated. To refer to the effects of reinforcement and determine the structure characteristics SEM images were taken. The addition of basalt fibers and PTFE particles in the amount of 7.5/7.5 wt% reduces the coefficient of friction (from 0.36 to 0.12) and the wear rate (from 0.61 to even 0.37) in relation to neat POM and increases the strength properties. An increase in the filler content to 12.5/12.5 wt% results in an almost twofold raise in stiffness from 2800 MPa to 5120 MPa for tensile, and from 2500 to 4944 MPa for flexural and causes a further reduction in wear rate without affecting on the friction coefficient. Studies have shown that the addition of filler allows to provide excellent tribological properties while maintaining high strength properties.