Research Symposium

BIO

Alexander Fernandez is a first-year mechanical engineering student from Broward County, Florida. He previously conducted research in chemistry and chose this project because it bridges his background in chemistry with his interest in engineering. In the future, he hopes to work in industry after graduation and eventually own a beach house.

Surface Energy of Counter Sample on Tribological Performance of Etched and Unetched PTFE Composites

Abstract

PTFE-based composites are widely used as low-friction, wear-resistant materials in aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications. This study investigates the impact of fluoroetching and counter-surface energy on the tribological performance of pure PTFE 7AX and PTFE filled with 5% alumina (Al₂O₃) by weight. Unetched and fluoroetched specimens of both materials were tested against glass, charged glass, and stainless steel counter-surfaces of varying surface energies using a reciprocating tribometer under controlled laboratory conditions. Contact angle measurements and the Owens–Wendt method were used to quantify surface energy across all samples and counter-surfaces. Results identify how counter-surface energy, alumina addition, and fluoroetching collectively influence wear resistance and friction coefficient.

Keywords: tribology, PTFE, materials