Wear properties of textured lubricant films filled with graphite and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) via laser surface texturing (LST)

One of major issues to laser processing lies in unavoidably existing high points at the edge of affected zones. However, these high points can act as anchorage points to tackle the problem that some functional materials are difficult to manufacture completely lubrication films on smooth metal surfaces. In this study, two kinds of textured lubricant films, namely graphite filled textured lubricant film and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filled textured lubricant film, were investigated by means of laser surface texturing. Such PTFE/graphite lubrication films and reverse use of the capture function of surface texture microconcaves were employed to enhance the tribology properties. The friction coefficient of these two films sliding against PTFE/Kevlar fabric composites was decreased by 10–45%, and the time to reach a stable state was shortened 100 times. The wear mechanism of these films is adhesive and fatigue wear and the transfer films are complete and continuous.