The effect of Inconel 625 value on mechanical and tribological properties of PTFE-based composites: Experimental and molecular dynamics simulation studies

PTFE-based composites are widely used as sealing materials. These composite materials are industrially manufactured and supplied with various reinforcements. Despite the desirable properties of commercial seals, these materials are generally not capable of sealing in specific working conditions and require the design and construction of PTFE-based composite with new reinforcements. In this study, Inconel 625 alloy powder was used as a reinforcing phase to make the PTFE-based composite. The effect of weight percentage of reinforcement on mechanical and tribological properties of composites has been investigated. In addition, the molecular dynamics simulation was used to investigate the composite wear. Addition of Inconel 625 significantly improves PTFE wear resistance. Addition of Inconel 625 reinforcing phase to PTFE matrix changes the PTFE wear mechanism from fatigue to adhesive type. Molecular dynamics simulation studies have shown that this is due to the high interaction energy at the junction of PTFE and Inconel 625, which does not allow PTFE to be easily separated from the sample. Among the developed composites, PTFE-reinforced composite with 50% by weight Inconel 625 had the best combination in terms of hardness (70 shore D) and specific wear rate (4/710-4 mm3 / Nm). The manufacturing method is easy to use and the manufactured samples are capable of industrial production.