Strong, Low Friction material better than teflon?

In summary, the conversation discusses an engineering problem where Teflon is being used as a low-friction material for plastic parts. However, the Teflon is wearing faster than expected due to the plastic rubbing away at it. The speaker is looking for a non-metallic material that has equal or better low-friction properties but is stronger than plastic. It is uncertain which material is wearing, but the suggestion is to use a harder Teflon if it is the Teflon wearing or a softer Teflon if it is the plastic parts. The speaker also questions the need for good strength and suggests various alternatives to Teflon, such as Devatex 1, Orkot TXM-M, Tenmat T814,
  • #1
jnguyen7
5
0
I'm working on an engineering problem where we are using Teflon as a low-friction material as a surface for plastic parts to move above. However, the material is wearing faster than expected due to the plastic rubbing away at the Teflon. Is there a non-metallic material that has equal or better low-friction characteristics to Teflon, yet it is stronger then plastic?
 
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  • #2
It's unclear if the Teflon or the plastic parts are wearing?
If it's the Teflon wearing, use a harder Teflon, if it's the plastic parts, use a softer Teflon.
Why do you need good strength? Is the low friction surface also structural?
 
  • #3
The Teflon is wearing.
 
  • #4
You could use Devatex 1, Orkot TXM-M, Tenmat T814, Lubron or bar stock from iglide called J350 or something similar.
 
  • #5
Look at Rulon, several different flavors.
 
  • #6
Maybe the plastic parts that abraid the Teflon are reinforced with glass fiber or some other abraisive filler?
 

1. What are some examples of strong, low friction materials better than Teflon?

Some examples of strong, low friction materials that are better than Teflon include graphene, boron nitride, and diamond-like carbon (DLC).

2. How does the strength of these materials compare to Teflon?

In general, these materials are stronger than Teflon. Graphene, for example, is about 200 times stronger than steel.

3. Why are these materials better than Teflon for reducing friction?

These materials have a smoother surface and a stronger bond between their molecules, allowing them to withstand higher levels of friction without breaking down. They also have a lower coefficient of friction, meaning they require less force to move over a surface.

4. Are there any downsides to using these materials over Teflon?

One downside is that these materials can be more expensive to produce than Teflon. They may also require specialized equipment or processes for application. Additionally, some of these materials may not be as chemically inert as Teflon, making them less suitable for certain applications.

5. What industries or applications would benefit most from using these materials?

These materials can benefit a wide range of industries and applications, such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and manufacturing. They can be used in components such as bearings, seals, coatings, and lubricants to reduce friction and improve performance. They may also be used in high-temperature or high-pressure environments where Teflon may not be as effective.

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