Tribology and Low Friction Coatings - Here’s the Answer
October 7th 2008 07:17 pm By Web Development in India
Tribology and low friction coatings interrelated? Absolutely. If you want to surface engineer for success, that is. So, first, let’s discuss tribology.
We see tribology as the resultant interaction of two moving surfaces. Motion is necessary for their function but, ultimately, can be undermined by their own created friction and wear.
Tribology is all around us. You don’t have to look far. Consider any kind of mechanical energy and you’ll see what I mean. Gears. Bearings. Nuts and bolts. Machining. Material conveyance. Transportation. Moving parts are everywhere.
Quickly, we blame our materials for their friction coefficient or their wear characteristics. When, really, we should be comparing materials when they’re paired, counter-faced. Only then can we truly understand the need for lubrication, low friction, at their interface.
So, how do we do choose among dry film lubricants? Choices are many. While the solutions, sometimes, can be few. Just look at all the products available today, including Teflon, PTFE, MoS2 (molybdenum disulfide), WS2 (tungsten disulfide), plating, and graphite. What works? What doesn’t?
Understand the following parameters and you’re halfway there:
First, of course, structural or intrinsic parameters, you need to consider material and lubricant properties, the physical, chemical and overall environmental factors affecting friction and wear. Second, can you identify parameters relating to their use? For example, loads, force or contact stress, even heat, can affect their duration. And, third, what are your interactive parameters? Can you characterize the actions of their use on intrinsic properties of your material or lubricant?
Surface engineer for success. Next time, understand your tribology and low friction coatings.
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William Gunnar, a degreed scientist, researcher, engineer, and friend, has helped thousands of ‘best of class’ product designers and equipment manufacturers — for nearly 20 years now — surface engineer with coatings for success.
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