Enhancement of Underwater Tribological Properties of Hybrid PTFE/Nomex Fabric Laminate Composites by Epoxy Resins

[Image: see text] Hybrid poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE)/Nomex fabric laminate composites were prepared with phenolic and epoxy resins. A pin-on-disc tribometer was used to perform tribological tests with different applied loads and rotational speeds. The wear surface, transfer film, and cross section were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy. The results showed that the epoxy resin with high strength and good binding properties can enhance underwater tribological and mechanical properties. The underwater surface hardness was also improved by the epoxy resin. The underwater strength and adhesiveness of the phenolic resin reduced and the underwater surface hardness also decreased, causing a decrease in underwater tribological and mechanical properties of the phenolic resin.