A Formation Mechanism and Tribological Properties of PTFE Transfer Film

Abstract

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), as one of the most widely used solid lubricating materials, is thought to be very efficient at forming transfer film because of terrific low intermolecular force. This work investigates the tribological properties of PTFE transfer film under dry friction, and further explores its formation process and evolution mechanism. The friction coefficient is the lowest when the transfer film thickness is in range of 8-12 μm. An evaluation method for transfer film is proposed. The results show that the quality of the transfer film is closely related to the test load and velocity. This method is expected to be a general evaluation method for polymer transfer film, which can further directly evaluate the wear state of polymers, and even directly predict the tribological properties of polymers and abrasion life.

Effects of solid lubricants on the tribological behavior of steel‐backed UHMWPE fabric composites

“…28 For solid lubricants as C and MoS 2, because they possess a special molecular and crystal interlayer structure, their atoms were combined via weak van der Waals forces and such interactions can be easily broken along the plane layer under the action of tangential friction, thus can form a slip surface. 29 The adhesive property of the filler itself can form a film layer of lubricant on counterpart surfaces, thus producing outstanding performance composites with lower COF. Expect for the lubricants mentioned above, other lubricants as SiC and SiO 2 can improve wear resistance and lower the wear rate of composites by introducing harder particles.…”