Improvement of the tribological behavior of PTFE-anodic film composites prepared on 1050 aluminum substrate

A model anodic film was prepared to incorporate PolyTetraFluoroEthylene (PTFE) nanoparticles into the porous structure of the film. Firstly, the influence of the anodization parameters on the morphology (thickness and pore diameter) was studied, using notably FEG scanning electronic microscopy. Then, using an improved sedimentation technique, the nanoparticles were successfully inserted into the porous structure and onto its surface. EDX and Raman spectroscopy attested the presence of PTFE particles down to the bottom of the pores. Secondly, the study demonstrated the benefit of incorporating the PTFE particles. Tribological tests were also carried out and the lubricating properties of the composite analyzed. Friction coefficient curves showed a 75-fold improvement of the total lifetime of the anodic film with a reduced friction coefficient.