Adhesion and friction of PTFE in contact with metals as studied by Auger spectroscopy, field ion and scanning electron microscopy

Abstract

The adhesion between PTFE and metals was studied by field ion microscopy, Auger emission spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Strong adhesion between PTFE and all metals, both clean and oxidized, was observed with these techniques for both static and dynamic contact. The bonding is sufficiently strong so that for soft metals such as aluminum, pieces of metal can be pulled out of the bulk and embed in the PTFE subsequently causing severe scoring of the metal surfaces.