Tribochemical effects in formation of polymer transfer film

Friction and wear tests of various polymers/stainless steel, PTFE/various metals and JS material (a multilayer composite)/stainless steel were carried out. The XPS spectra and atomic relative concentrations of elements on mating surfaces, the EPM spectra of element line distributions on frictional surfaces and the ESR spectra of radicals in polymer wear debris were determined. The test results indicated that polymer transfer films were formed on all friction surfaces. Meanwhile, extremely complex tribochemical reactions took place on the interfaces. The friction and wear properties of polymer were closely related to the adherent strength and covering extent of the transfer film on the counterface. The transfer film formation was influenced by polymer structure characteristics, tribochemical reactions and friction conditions.