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

Abstract

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.