Tribochemistry of a PFPAE Fluid on M-50 Surfaces by FTIR Spectroscopy

Abstract

The tribochemistry of a linear perfluoropolyalkylether (PFPAE) resulting from sliding friction experiments was investigated by FTIR spectroscopy. The experiments were conducted on a Cameron-Plint tribometer under boundary lubrication conditions in a controlled humidity environment. An acid species, RfCOOH, was formed and partially characterized and its concentration was estimated to be about 500 ppm. As the relative humidity increases from 5% to 15%, both the acid species' concentration and the wear on the metal surfaces decrease sharply. A possible explanation to account for these observations is proposed.