The primary objective of this research is to obtain a better understanding of tribopolymerization--the planned or intentional formation of polymeric films directly on rubbing surfaces--as a mechanism of boundary lubrication, with special emphasis on the role of surface temperatures on the process. The behavior of selected monomers capable of forming surface polymers under tribological contact by polycondensation as well as addition reactions will be investigated in a research program which couples the following experimental systems or techniques: (a) an advanced rotating sapphire disk/infrared microscope device to determine surface temperatures produced by friction; (b) surface analytical techniques- -including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy--to study the characteristics of thin polymer surface films formed; and (c) other methods which couple thermal effects with surface reactions and polymerization. The significance of this research is that it represents a rational and innovative approach to the design of chemical structures to act as boundary lubricants to reduce wear and surface damage in tribological processes. Unlike conventional antiwear additives which chemically react with the solid surface (e.g., iron) to from a protective layer, this approach involves the deposition of a surface film which acts to reduce adhesion, wear, and damage. The principal investigators believe that a better understanding of the tribopolymerization process-- including the role of surface temperature, catalysis, and electron emission in tribological contact--will open the door to new, extremely effective, and unconventional approaches to minimizing wear in a wide variety of systems. This should make it possible to design specific antiwear additives for given tribological systems.
