Tribochemical studies by XPS analysis of transfer films of Nylon 11 and its composites containing copper compounds

The transfer films of Nylon 11 and its composites with CuS, CuAc and CuF 2 formed on the steel disk surfaces were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The study revealed that CuS and CuF 2 decomposed under the rubbing conditions and produced copper, FeF 6 group and FeSO 4. The analysis at different depths in the transfer films indicated higher concentrations of these species closer to the transfer film-counterface interface. There was no chemical change detected when unfilled Nylon 11 and CuAc-Nylon composite rubbed against the steel disk surfaces. These results have been used to hypothesize the mechanism by which the transfer films of these materials influence wear.