Tribological properties of perfluoralkylethyl methacrylate-polymethyl methacrylate copolymer thin films

Perfluoroalkylethyl methacrylate and polymethyl methacrylate copolymers (FMA/MMA) were synthesized by the atom transfer radical polymerization at various FMA/MMA mole ratios. 5 wt% copolymer solutions were spun cast onto PMMA sheet substrates. The effects of monomer ratio on tribological properties were investigated in terms of the surface energy calculated from contact angles, the dynamic friction, and the wear obtained from multiple scratchings. There is a range of optimum FMA/MMA ratios between (1–5)×10−3 in which we attain a minimum dynamic friction. The results obtained are discussed in terms of connections between friction, surface tension, and wear mechanisms.