Ready to choose again among PTFE Teflon low friction coatings? That’s fine. But hold off for just a moment. Has your current coating really failed you?
The answer you will find is in understanding friction and wear.
PTFE, also known as polytetrafluoroethylene, exceeds many of the properties of other thermoplastics. Let us look at its surface characterizations for adhesion and deformation when sliding wear is considered against metal.
Based on its comparatively low modulus value, any surface asperities of DuPont PTFE will measurably deform under load. This means higher loads can produce lower friction.
Of course, coefficients of friction will rise with increasing temperature. Mostly the result of binder choice within the coating, so be sure you can identify your temperature requirements. Once you reach upper limits of continuous use, melting point, or glass transition temperature, drag can increase significantly.
Sliding wear is normally measured by material loss over time. So consider these two primary mechanisms for wear: adhesive wear and abrasive wear. Between the two, adhesive wear will always be preferable.
How do you distinguish between the two forms of wear? Well, if it is adhesive wear, you should see developing fine powders at the interface between the fluoropolymer coating and metal counter face. This is a good indication that surfaces are wearing the way they should. However, phenomena like deep corrugations, grooves, or gouges within the coating will quickly indicate pressure velocity limits of the material have been violated. Usually, too, assuming the environment remains unchanged, abrasive wear occurs quickly. Sometimes, failure is immediate and catastrophic.
Next time, see it from our perspective, and make your choices in PTFE Teflon low friction coatings the best they can be!
AUTOPOST by BEDEWY VISIT GAHZLY
