Plasmapolymeric Coating Protects Elastomers against Wear

Improved energy efficiency and durability are demanded for sealing components in multiple industries. Flat elastomer plates were coated with a polymeric film (SiOxCyHz) in a plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition process. The film thickness was varied from approximately 0.7 μm to 4.0 μm. Tribological lifetime tests were performed as a function of the applied film thickness. The investigated elastomeric substrate materials were acrylic rubber, fluoro rubber and nitrile butadiene rubber. Oscillating ball-on-plate contact was chosen to induce rapid wear. The coating was found to provide significant wear protection which is dependent on applied load and elastomer type. Film thicknesses in the range of 1 μm to 2.5 μm were recommended.