A study of the tribological behavior of transfer films of PTFE composites formed under different loads, speeds and morphologies of the counterface

PTFE/copper composites were prepared by compression molding at room temperature and subsequent heat treatment in the atmosphere. Transfer films were prepared on a GCr15 disc using different loads, speeds and morphologies of the counterface. The tribological behavior, thickness and morphology of these transfer films were studied. A scanning electron microscope, a laser microscopic 3D and profile measurement apparatus and an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer were used for analysis of the morphology, thickness and elemental content of the transfer film, respectively. The results showed that sliding speed, contact pressure and morphology of the counterface have significant effects on the thickness and tribological behavior of the transfer film. Low speed, light load and isotropic surface morphology are highly conducive to the formation of a transfer film with excellent tribological properties. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.