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The effect of the PTFE particles on the physical and tribological properties of EPDM rubber filled with non-irradiated and irradiated PTFE nanopowder has been investigated. The friction coefficient values of non-irradiated and irradiated PTFE filled EPDM composites decreased significantly compared to EPDM gum. The friction coefficient values also decreased with increasing PTFE loading. Non-irradiated PTFE/EPDM blends beside its significantly poor physical properties showed high wear resistance compared to the poor wear-resistant behaviour of higher irradiation dose PTFE filled EPDM having enhanced physical properties. Scanning electron microscopy of the PTFE powder suggested that radiation induced alterations are the key parameters in controlling both the physical and wear behaviour of PTFE filled composites. Radiation-induced chemical alterations in PTFE nanopowder characterized by electron spin resonance and FTIR spectroscopy showed increasing radical concentration and carboxylic groups (- COOH), respectively, whereas the mean agglomerate size decreased with increasing irradiation dose. The influence of these specific alterations on physical and tribological properties of EPDM is investigated.