ELECTROPOLYMERIZED FILMS FOR LOW-FRICTION MICROACTUATOR BEARINGS

The application of thin films in low friction bearings is well known but conventional materials (e.g., PTFE or graphite) suffer from poor processability, susceptibility to chemical attack or thermal runaway. In contrast, electrochemically grown conducting polymer films can be readily deposited onto complex surfaces with good thermal properties. The tribological properties of electropolymerized films can also be selected as desired, i.e., a low friction coefficient and a low wear rate; this makes them a promising choice for bearing material in microactuators or other sliding systems