Study and Comparison of Properties of Fluoroplastic Composites Obtained by Different Methods of Plastic Deformation of Polymer Blanks

This study continues the cycle of works on the development of high-strength materials using plastic deformation of polymer blanks by various methods. In this work we studied the dependence of deformation and strength characteristics of polymer composite materials based on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and carbon fibers of UVIS-AK-P grade on the technology of their production. The tensile strength (MPa), relative elongation at break (%), elastic modulus (MPa) and creep modulus at a stress of 5 MPa were investigated. In this work a new method of plastic deformation with the use of hot rollers is considered, as a result of which composites have a significant increase not only in tensile strength, but also in relative elongation at break, which determines the plasticity of the material, as well as resistance to deformation under static load. To evaluate the performance of the developed composites, the dimensional stability of the samples and changes in physical and mechanical characteristics under thermal cycling in the temperature range from –50 to +50°C were investigated. The coefficients of linear thermal expansion (LTE) of PTFE and composites under heating up to 140°С were also investigated and calculated. The results showed that the developed composites, despite the increase in LTR, are characterized by the preservation of deformation and strength properties after thermal exposure, which is important for the reliable operation of parts in mechanical engineering.