The outstanding dry friction characteristics of Teflon TFE can be imparted to a variety of filled and reinforced compositions, many of which offer superior unlubricated wear performance. A logical extension is the application of filled TFE as marginally lubricated or thin film lubricated bearings. Under conditions of very thin film lubrication, some filled compositions of Teflon outperform conventional materials, such as babbitt and bronze. Guidelines for using filled compositions of Teflon with water lubrication are explored. Comparative test results are examined in light of theoretical relationships between thin film lubricated friction and wear performance.
