Tribology of Self-lubricating SU-8+PFPE Composite based Lub-tape

Despite the fact that the SU-8 is a useful material for micro-fabrication of MEMS devices using the photo- lithography process, its poor tribological properties restrict its wider applications. It was postulated in our previous study that adding perflouropolyether (PFPE) lubricant to SU-8 possibly promoted chemical reaction between the molecules and also formed the boundary lubrication, which enhanced the wear durability of SU-8 by more than four orders of magnitude. The same SU-8+PFPE composite were used to fabricate a stand-alone laminate film called “Lub-tape”, which has two layers of ∼90 μm thickness each. The top and bottom layers were made of SU-8+PFPE composite and pristine SU-8, respectively. The lub-tape has reduced the initial coefficient of friction by ∼7 times and increased wear life by more than five orders of magnitude of SU-8. It can also improve the tribology of any given surface. The Lub-tape can be used to protect all surfaces against friction and wear.