Investigation of transfer film of PTFE/bronze composites on 2024Al surface

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites filled with 10-30% volume content of bronze powder were prepared through molding and sintering process. Transfer films of these composites were prepared on surface of 2024 Al bar through friction method under certain condition. Roughness, morphology, and element of these transfer films were investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) methods. Tribological properties of these transfer films sliding against GCr15 steel ball were tested using a DFPM reciprocating tribometer. Worn surfaces were observed and analyzed using SEM and EDS methods. It was found that uniformity and continuity of the transfer films were obviously improved by the increase of bronze content of the composites. Transfer films with better uniformity and continuity holds longer wear life. Considerably lower friction coefficient and longer wear life of these transfer films indicate that the transfer films prepared in the experiment could effectively prevent direct contact of metal friction pair and thus protect them from heavy wear. SEM and EDS analyses of the worn surfaces indicate that adhesion wear and fatigue wear were main wear modes of the transfer film. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.