Frictional behaviour and wear resistance of rigid disks lubricated with neutral and functional perfluoropolyethers

The topical lubrication of rigid disks with perfluoropolyethers has been investigated experimentally. The application of lubricant by dipping processes is examined, and the coating characteristic and mechanisms are described. The static and dynamic frictional properties of the lubricated disk surfaces are reported as functions of lubricant type, quantity and ambient conditions, together with observations of mechanical wear. Losses of oil during use by centrifugation are analysed. The correct lubrication of a disk involves selection of lubricant quantity and type to compromise between stiction and wear effects. In some circumstances, the use of functional lubricants is preferred in terms of surface energy relationships and the susceptibility of the lubricant layer to displacement by condensed water during non-operational storage.