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Use of Au Nanoparticle-Filled PTFE Films to Produce Low-Friction and Low-Wear Surface Coatings

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Abstract

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) possesses exceptional lubricating properties; however, its uses are limited due to its high susceptibility to wear. In an effort to overcome this shortcoming, a great deal of focus is placed on creating PTFE composites that exploit the strengths of PTFE and also reduce or eliminate its weaknesses. This investigation explores the use of Au nanoparticle-filled PTFE films to produce low-friction and low-wear surface coatings. PTFE + Au nanoparticle composite films were produced by dip coating stainless steel substrates into a mixture of colloidal PTFE and Au nanoparticles. Tribological tests showed that the composite film has a wear life that is twice that of pure PTFE and possesses an average coefficient of friction that is up to 50 % lower. PTFE suffers delamination as a result of poor adhesion of the film to the substrate and tearing resulting from a dominant adhesive wear mode. PTFE + Au, on the other hand, shows no sign of delamination or adhesive wear. This change in wear mode caused by the addition of Au nanoparticles significantly increases the wear resistance and durability of PTFE.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation under Grants CMS-0645040 and EPS-1003970, and in part by the Arkansas Biosciences Institute. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Microelectronics-Photonics Graduate Program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA

    Samuel Beckford

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA

    Jiyu Cai & Min Zou

  3. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA

    Jingyi Chen

Authors
  1. Samuel Beckford
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  2. Jiyu Cai
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  3. Jingyi Chen
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  4. Min Zou
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Correspondence to Min Zou.

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Beckford, S., Cai, J., Chen, J. et al. Use of Au Nanoparticle-Filled PTFE Films to Produce Low-Friction and Low-Wear Surface Coatings. Tribol Lett 56, 223–230 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11249-014-0402-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11249-014-0402-4

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