Comparison of the Friction and Wear Properties of PTFE Coatings under Vacuum Conditions before and after Gamma Irradiation

Abstract

The friction and wear properties of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coatings before and after gamma irradiation were studied under vacuum conditions. Experimental results indicated that the friction and wear properties of PTFE coatings were improved by gamma irradiation. Results showed that the wear process of PTFE coatings before and after gamma irradiation consists of three stages. The steps for the irradiated PTFE are slightly longer than that for the non-irradiated samples. The friction coefficient of irradiated PTFE coatings reduces slightly compared to that of the non-irradiated samples. The friction coefficients of the PTFE coatings before and after gamma irradiation first increase with the increase of sliding velocity and then decrease with the increase of sliding velocity, and The friction coefficient of PTFE coatings before and after gamma irradiation decreases with the increase of load. The wear of irradiated PTFE coatings is slightly lower than that of non-irradiated PTFE coatings. The wear of PTFE coatings before and after gamma irradiation first decreases with the increase of sliding speed and then increases as the sliding speed increases. The wear of PTFE coatings first decreases with the increase of load and then increases with the increase of load. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was utilized to investigate the worn surfaces.