Self-lubricating PEO–PTFE composite coating on titanium

Abstract

A self-lubricating plasma electrolytic oxidation–polytetrafluoroethylene (PEO–PTFE) composite coating was successfully fabricated on the surface of commercially pure titanium by a multiple-step method of plasma electrolytic oxidation, dipping and sintering treatment. The microstructure and tribological properties of the PEO–PTFE composite coating were investigated and compared with the PEO TiO2 coating and the PTFE coating on titanium. Results show that most of the micro-pores of the PEO TiO2 coating were filled by PTFE and the surface roughness of PEO–PTFE composite coating was lower than that of the PEO TiO2 coating. Furthermore, the PEO–PTFE composite coating shows excellent tribological properties with low friction coefficient and low wear rate. This study provides an insight for guiding the design of self-lubricating and wear-resistant PEO composite coatings.