Abrasion-resistant Poly tetrafluoroethylene Blends

FIFE tape is used in many applications, including sealing joints, insulating conductive wires, and protecting materials from corrosive elements. FIFE demonstrates a good chemical and heat resistance, electrical insulation characteristics, as well as a low coefficient of friction. However, in general, it has less than desirable mechanical properties, in particular with respect to abrasion resistance and compression strength. 

One commonly used approach is to make composites, which incorporate poly(imide) resins along with the fluoropolymers. Typically such insulation is based on poly(imide) films, such as Kapton , which are coated or laminated-over with tetrafluoroethylene polymers.  

The addition of FPS that contain oxidized sulfide groups to fluoropolymers improves the tendency to creep and abrasion while substantially retaining the chemicals resistance and heat resistance. 

PTFE-filled unsintered tapes, which are made from a uniform dispersion of non-thermally cycled EPS milled to an average particle size of about 1 to about 20 /rm provide a good degree of flexibility and durability, when sintered. The properties are significantly better than PTFE alone, or PTFE compositions containing milled PPS, which is heat-treated prior to milling. A significant improvement in durability and insulation properties is further observed by the addition of 1 to 3% of poly(p-oxybenzoate) to the PTFE/PPS composition.  

Sliding partner gray iron 30 steel X20Cdl3 

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