Abstract
The electron-induced surface chemistry of perfluoropolyalkylether (PFPE) lubricants on a-CHx films has been probed by studying the impact of free electrons on perfluorodiethylether, (CF3CF2)2O, and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, CF3CH2OH, as models of the chemical functionality of PFPE lubricants such as Fomblin Zdol. Electron-stimulated decomposition of (CF3CF2)2O and CF3CH2OH on fresh and oxidized a-CHx is observed when the sample is unbiased and in the presence of 70 eV free electrons. Electron-induced decomposition is indicated by the deposition of fluorine onto the surface of the a-CHx film following desorption of molecular (CF3CF2)2O and CF3CH2OH by heating in front of a mass spectrometer. Biasing the sample to −80 V successfully eliminates the decomposition by preventing the impingement of electrons onto the surface. The electron-stimulated decomposition of PFPE lubricants may contribute to lubricant decomposition during normal drive operation.
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