Extreme environment tribological study of advanced bearing polymers for space applications

Polymers with self-lubricating properties have been employed in various applications as bearing components and tribological surfaces, particularly where the use of liquid lubricant is infeasible, such space-related applications. This study reports on solutions for extreme temperature ranging from ?196 to 300 °C, which simulates operating conditions that materials space will encounter. Tribological performance three polymeric-based coatings, namely ATSP-, PEEK-, Fluoropolymer-based coatings was evaluated. Inspired by benefit transfer layer, we deposited both pins disks simulate polymer sliding pre-deposited “transfer layer.” The ATSP-based showed excellent low coefficient friction unmeasurable wear within a wide range constant contact pressure 1 MPa.