Tribological Properties of Ptfe and Diamond-Like-Carbon-Coated Ptfe in Atmospheric and Vacuum Environments at High Temperatures

Abstract

This study aimed to improve the tribological properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in different environments. A diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating was deposited on the PTFE surface by sputtering. Tribological tests of the uncoated and DLC-coated PTFE were performed in atmospheric and vacuum environments at high temperatures.  The results showed the amount of transfer film formed on the counter surface was the dominant factor affecting friction and wear behavior. More transfer film formed on the DLC-coated PTFE than on the uncoated PTFE owing to the high adhesion between the dangling carbon bonds in the transfer film with the DLC coating and the dangling carbon bonds in the PTFE produced by defluorination.

Keywords: tribology, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), diamond-like carbon (DLC), transfer film