Further Results on Frictional Properties of Teflon Bearings

Abstract

Further results on the frictional properties of Teflon-steel interfaces in sliding bearings are reported. Values of the breakaway (static) and sliding coefficients of friction of woven Teflon in contact with polished stainless steel for sliding velocities of up to 10 in./sec (254 mm/s) and bearing pressure of 6,500 and 10,000 psi (44.9 and 69 MPa) are reported. These values are sufficiently low to be of interest in applications of seismic base isolation. Furthermore, the effect of dwell of load on the breakaway coefficient of friction of sheet type Teflon-steel interfaces is studied in a single test in which the load is maintained on the specimen for 20 months prior to testing. The test demonstrated no difference in the breakaway friction in comparison to a test with only one-half hour of load dwell.