Modeling of manufacturing process components in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to predict microstructure and mechanical properties

Abstract

The aim of this proposal is to evaluate the influence of the pressing and sintering process parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, aiming at the optimization of the fabrication process to obtain components with the necessary mechanical properties. Materials model will be developed and evaluated for computational simulation of the fabrication processes (compaction and sintering). Such models will be performed using finite element methodology and validated through the experimental results of PTFE compaction and sintering testing, as well as using specific tests that allow the correlation of both the microstructure and the final properties with the process parameters. Therefore, the stiffness, tensile and compression strengths and fracture toughness will be determined. This proposal presents a very significant scientific contribution, as the applied experimental, methodologies and computational models are original and will certainly contribute to the scientific and technologic advance of the national industry. This research project is a continuing work of a doctoral study executed in co-tutorship between the Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC) and the LMT-Cachan of École Normale Supérieure de Cachan (ENS de Cachan), France, and it will continue being performed in cooperation, bringing the possibility to broaden such successful partnership among the researchers from both Institutions. Besides, the candidate will contribute to the acquisition of new knowledge, especially on the modeling field of both mechanical and fabrication process behaviors of materials. It should be highlighted that this research project is part of a major project submitted to CAPES - COFECUB