Exploring PTFE-free solutions as sustainable wear-resistant eco-polymers

Robbe Vergieu 1, Ádám Kalácska 1, Patrick De Baets 1 1Soete Laboratory, Department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 46, B-9052, Zwijnaarde, Belgium Contact [email protected] Soete Laboratory - Ghent University Robbe Vergieu www.ugent.be/ea/emsme/en/research/soete/tribology SWEEP PROJECT: EXPLORING PTFE-FREE SOLUTIONS AS SUSTAINABLE WEAR-RESISTANT ECO-POLYMERS Fig. 2 - Effects of PFAS on human health [2] Fig. 1 - PFAS lifecycle [1] PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) –Low friction characteristics and superior sliding properties –Excellent chemical and thermal resistance –Weak load-bearing capacity and low wear resistance (need for fillers and reinforcements) –Applied in low-weight sliding elements and tribotechnical components (bearings, seals, gears, …) Problem context Work packages Project structure Fig. 3 - Domestic and industrial applications of PTFE [3] References: [1] - PFAS: binnenkort een netelige kwestie? - TAUW, (2020), [2] - Effects of PFAS on human health - European Environment Agency, (2024), [3] - Performance properties and applications of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) —a review - E. Dhanumalayan & Girish M. Joshi, (2018) PFAS (perand polyfluoroalkyl substances) –High durability and slow degradation –Environmental pollution through industrial and consumer products –Certain PFAS compounds: Carcinogenic and toxic –Health and environmental concerns →Need for alternatives Project objectives SWEEP (Exploring PTFE-free solutions as sustainable wear-resistant eco-polymers): Novel fundamental insights into the tribological characterisation of PTFE-free alternatives over a broad P × V range (0.1 –10 MPa∙m/s) →Aiming to bring relevant insights for varied application domains 3 main objectives –Testing protocol development –Analysing and comparing sustainable polymer alternatives –Understanding surface degradation and transfer film formation Potential impact of sustainable polymer materials –Environmental impact reduction: Replacing hazardous substances & Reducing pollution and protecting ecosystems –Economic benefits: Enhancing market competitiveness for sustainable companies & Aligns with consumer preferences and regulatory trends 5 consecutive work packages (each with its own deliverables) Work package 1: Literature and material review –Target application: Sliding contact bearing, bushing, and seal materials –Polymer and countersurface material selection –Classification of wear-influencing parameters –Evaluation and selection of test methods –Determination of testing configurations and testing conditions Work package 2: Processing and pre-test investigations –Design of Experiments (P × V range) + Test matrix/methodology determination (based on target application) –Property characterisation (physical, mechanical, thermal, …) –Preparation of tribospecimens (polymer/countersurface) and test setups Work package 3: Wear testing at coupon and component level –Coupon testing: Pin-on-disc and pin-on-plate (controlled atmosphere) –Component testing: Method and parameters based on target application –Measurement of friction force, deformation/wear, and temperature Work package 4: Post-mortem analysis –Polymer/countersurface investigation –Transfer film and chemical element analysis –Surface damage analysis (3D surface topography and microscopy) Work package 5: Sensitivity analysis and fundamental understanding –Material evaluation/comparison and performance ranking –Coupling of tribological behaviour to mechanical properties & Tribological modelling –Sensitivity analysis with dominant wear influencing parameters (P, V, roughness, …) Presented: FEARS 2025, October 13, 2025, Ghent WP1 Literature and material research WP5 Tribological understanding and final report WP4 Post-mortem investigation WP3 Wear testing (3 different test systems) WP2 Pre-test investigations and methodology development Fig. 5 –3D surface topography of worn specimens and SEM of embedding wear debris Pin-on-plate test setup Pin-on-disc test setup Component test setup Fig. 4 –Coupon-level and component-level test setups Tbl. 1 –Polymer material selection & Testing conditions