MECHANICAL AND MICROSTRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF PTFE∕Al∕W SYSTEM

Abstract

Mechanical and microstructural properties of high density PTFE/Al/W composites consisting of PTFE matrix, aluminum and tungsten particles were investigated. Three types of samples having different porosities and particle sizes of W with an identical weight ratio between PTFE, Al and W were fabricated by Cold Isostatic Pressing. The quasi‐static and Hopkinson Bar compression tests were employed to investigate the mechanical properties of these materials. The results demonstrated that the porous PTFE/Al/W composite samples containing fine W particles have higher quasi‐static and dynamic fracture stresses than higher density PTFE/Al/W samples containing coarse W particles. ESEM micrographs revealed that deformation occurred mainly in the PTFE matrix while metal particles remain undeformed. We observed nano‐fibers of PTFE caused by high strain rate deformation.