Optimization of Friction Behavior Characteristics by Coating with Solid Lubricants

Abstract

Increasing the lifetime of machine elements whose operation involves the development of friction processes and diminishing energy losses by friction can be achieved by using solid lubricants. In this regard, a method applied to improve the friction behavior of machine elements is electrostatic coating of the surfaces of interest with polyester layers that include particles of solid lubricants, such as molybdenum disulfide or graphite. Experimental research was conducted to highlight the influence of normal force, the concentration of solid lubricant particles in polyester, and specific sliding between surfaces involved in the friction process on the deposited layer’s lifetime and on the friction coefficient. Grey analysis was employed to identify sets of input factors that would lead to the most convenient values of the lifetime and energy friction losses when using polyester layers that incorporate molybdenum or graphite particles. Specialized software was elaborated in a MATLAB environment to use the grey relational analysis in identifying the optimal values of the process input factors for distinct weights of the output parameters.