TIODIZE has developed new and unique self-lubricating composite materials called TRIBO/COMP These materials use graphite fibers combined with a resin and our proprietary lubricative pigments. Our materials have a high strength-to-weight ratio which is one-fourth the weight of steel and two-thirds the weight of aluminum. These graphite composites exhibit extremely long wear life, low coefficient of friction (as low as .07) and will withstand loads in excess of 30,000 psi. They will also have chemical inertness and good electrical and thermal conductivity.

TRIBO/COMP can be processed into a variety of mechanical shapes which are self-lubricating and are superior to aluminum in stiffness per unit mass at temperatures to 600°F These components are manufactured by compression, matched-die molding and show excellent dimensional stability through repeated heating/cooling cycles and exposure to water or water vapor, solvents and oils.

TRIBO/COMP vs Steel - Friction/Wear Test

The following test data was conducted on a LFW-1 test machine. The surface sliding speed was 223 rpm (80 ft/min). The starting load was approximately 20 ksi and was maintained near that load by applying more weight as the wear scar increased in size. When the wear depth reached 0.001 inch, the weight was decreased to lower the load to around 3 ksi.

The tests were conducted at room temperature and at 50-55% R.H. The temperature of the block was measured with a thermocouple placed in a small hole in the center of the block about 0.2 inches from the wear surface.

The rotating ring material was steel at a hardness of Rc 58-63. The wear block was fabricated from the lubricative bearing material or had the bearing material laminated to a metal block on the wearing surface.