Comprehensive mechanical and tribological characterization of metal-polymer PTFE+Pb/Bronze coating by in-situ electrical contact resistance measurement augmented tribo-mechanical tests

• Published in: Tribology international Vol. 193; p. 109397
• Main Authors: Maculotti, Giacomo, Goti, Edoardo, Genta, Gianfranco, Mazza, Luigi, Galetto, Maurizio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2024
• Subjects: Friction; Nanoindentation; Self-lubricating coating; Wear; Self-lubricating coating; Friction; Wear; Nanoindentation
• ISSN: 0301-679X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2024.109397

This work thoroughly mechanically characterizes the DU® metal-polymer coating from GGB Bearing Technology by augmented multi-scale Instrumented Indentation Test (IIT). Nano-IIT will evaluate the uniformity of the Pb particles dispersion in the outermost layer. Dynamic nano-IIT will investigate the damping properties of the material as a function of load frequency. Micro-IIT will tackle the layer thickness evaluation and the gradient of mechanical properties through the layers by continuous multi-cycle indentations. Data augmentation provided by synchronous electric contact resistance (ECR) measurements will support the identification of the layer transitions. The coefficient of friction and the wear coefficient will also be obtained by linear reciprocating pin-on-disc testing with focus on the specific application to guide bushings for linear pneumatic actuators. •Metal-polymer PTFE-based coatings are widely used in several industrial applications.•Literature only reports application-specific tribological properties.•Nanoindentation is used to estimate average mechanical properties varying in depth.•ECR-augmented tribo-mechanical tests provide insights into material structure and behaviour.•The obtained tribo-mechanical properties enable traceable numerical simulation.