Fluoropolymer Fiber Composite Bundle
A composite bundle for repeated stress applications comprising at least one fiber of a high strength material, at least one fiber of fluoropolymer, wherein the fluoropolymer fiber is present in an amount of about 40% by weight or less.
1 . A method of reducing abrasion- or friction-related wear of a fiber bundle in repeated stress applications while substantially maintaining the strength of the fiber bundle comprising the step of including in the fiber bundle at least one filament of fluoropolymer.
2 . A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said fluoropolymer filament is a monofilament.
3 . A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said fluoropolymer filament is low density of less than about 1 g/cc.
4 . A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said fluoropolymer filament is a multifilament.
5 . A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said fluoropolymer filament comprises a filler.
6 . A method as defined in claim 5 wherein said filler comprises carbon.
7 . A method as defined in claim 5 wherein said filler is selected from the group consisting of molybdenum disulfide, graphite, hydrocarbon, and silicone base fluid.
8 . A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the fiber bundle comprises para-aramid.
9 . A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the fiber bundle comprises liquid crystal polymer (LCP).
10 . A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the fiber bundle comprises polybenzoxazole (PBO).
11 . A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the fiber bundle comprises ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).
12 . A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the fiber bundle is present and comprises a combination of UHMWPE and LCP.
13 . A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the fiber bundle comprises high tenacity metal.
14 . A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the fiber bundle comprises high tenacity mineral.
15 . A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said fluoropolymer filament is PTFE.
16 . A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said fluoropolymer filament is ePTFE.