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Abstract
The thin-film properties of some perfluoropolyether boundary lubricants based on hydroxyl-termination of the n-perfluoropropylene oxide monomer units are investigated as a function of molecular polarity. The n-perfluoropropylene oxide monomer units provide a stiffer main chain than perfluoropolyethers comprised of a copolymer of perfluoro-methylene oxide and -ethylene oxide monomer units. Terraced flow and bonding kinetics show that the stiffer main chain reduces lubricant mobility on the disk surface but provides a lower profile lubricant film. The lack of mobility attributed to the main chain can be compensated for by decreasing the number of OH end groups. The Hamaker constants, derived from surface energy vs. thickness measurements are larger than the corresponding flexible main chains, suggesting an increased adhesion to the underlying carbon surface.
Review led by Benjamin DeKoven