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Tribological properties of polymer films and solid bodies in a vacuum environmentThe tribological properties of ten different polymer based materials were evaluated in a vacuum environment to determine their suitability for possible lubrication applications in a space environment, such as might be encountered on the proposed space station. A pin-on-disk tribometer was used and the polymer materials were evaluated either as solid body disks or as films applied to 440C HT stainless steel disks. A 440C HT stainless steel hemispherically tipped pin was slid against the polymer materials. For comparison, similar tests were conducted in a controlled air atmosphere of 50 percent relative humidity air. In most instances, the polymer materials lubricated much better under vacuum conditions than in air. Thus, several of the materials show promise as lubricants for vacuum applications. Friction coefficients of 0.05 or less and polymer material wear rates of up to 2 orders of magnitude less than in air were obtained. One material showed considerable promise as a traction drive material. Relatively high friction coefficients (0.36 to 0.52) and reasonably low wear rates were obtained in vacuum.
Document ID
19870008473
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Fusaro, Robert L. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
September 5, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1987
Subject Category
Nonmetallic Materials
Report/Patent Number
NASA-TM-88966
NAS 1.15:88966
E-3429
Accession Number
87N17906
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 505-63-01
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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