SURFACE CHARACTERIZATION OF ELECTROACTIVE THIN POLYMERIC FILM BEARINGS

We report the results of a recent study of tribological properties of electropolymerised thin film bearings. Poly(pyrrole) films of differen t thickness and incorporating different counter ions have been grown o nto gold electrodes on glass lens substrates and tested under a pin-on -disk apparatus. The topography of the films has been studied in order to set up correlation between surface parameters and the tribological functions, which is in turn to identify crucial parameters in the fil m processes for an optimum surface performance. Based upon this study, roughness distribution parameter, skewness and kurtosis are playing a n important role in controlling friction. Film surfaces with positive skewness and high kurtosis values are favourable for low friction bear ings. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.