Wear properties of Polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) at cryogenic temperature

Conventional lubricants like oil and grease cannot be used for cryogenic applications, since they tend to solidify at low temperatures. For these applications, solid lubricants like Polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) and its carbon composites are extensively used. In this experimental study, the tribological properties of cryotreated and untreated PTFE and its composites are studied at room and cryogenic temperatures. A dedicated pin on disc type cryotribometer has been designed and developed to study the wear. Results of tribological experiments carried for fixed time duration of 10 minutes, constant speed of 400rpm and track diameter of 60mm under the applied load of 10N are studied and analysed.