Study on mechanical and tribological properties of cerium oxide/fluorine rubber composites

Abstract In order to study the effect of nanoscale cerium oxide (CeO2) on the basic mechanical properties of binary fluorine rubber (FKM), especially the tribological properties at different temperatures, CeO2/FKM composites were prepared by mechanical blending and hot molding process. The hardness test, tear test, uniaxial tension test, room-temperature rotational friction test and high-temperature reciprocating friction test of FKM and CeO2/FKM were performed. The surface morphology of the two materials after being rubbed was observed, and the rubber surface changes were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results show that CeO2 particles can increase the hardness, matrix strength and resistance to external damage of rubber. Compared with pristine FKM, the tensile strength, elongation at break, anti-wear and anti-friction properties of CeO2/FKM composites have been effectively improved, and the enhancement of anti-wear properties of CeO2 reinforced FKM is more obvious under the condition of high temperature (200 °C). Therefore, the composites prepared by blending CeO2 with FKM can effectively improve the basic mechanical properties and tribological properties of FKM.