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Friction induced conformational changes on large‐scale and small‐scale polyester sliding surfaces
Author(s) -
Samyn P.,
Craenenbroeck J. Van,
Quintelier J.,
Schoukens G.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
surface and interface analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.52
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1096-9918
pISSN - 0142-2421
DOI - 10.1002/sia.2161
Subject(s) - polyester , materials science , polymer , raman spectroscopy , tribology , polytetrafluoroethylene , composite material , optics , physics
Pure and internal PTFE‐lubricated polyesters are slid against steel and stainless steel on large‐scale and small‐scale tribological test rigs under normal loads between 8 and 150 MPa and temperatures of 80–200 °C. The polymer sliding surfaces are analysed by Raman spectra according to a two‐phase system of trans (oriented) and gauche (non‐oriented) structures. Comparing the spectra of pure and internal lubricated polyesters reveals a clear band at 713 cm −1 correlated to PTFE depositions. For small‐scale tests, the crystalline content and overall orientation is larger (40–50%) while no significant increase in the PTFE‐related band is observed. A PTFE/polyester film is transferred onto the steel counterface without back‐transfer to the polymer surface. Large‐scale polymer surfaces have a lower orientation (30–40%) and contradictory to small‐scale samples, PTFE lubricants are observed on the polymer surface. The formation of a PTFE film on the polyester sliding surface is then favourable for low friction and stabilization in wear rates. Orientation and wear effects depend on the movability of wear debris and plastification of the surface, illustrated by Raman spectroscopy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.