The Wettability and Detection of Flourescent Barrier Films.
Abstract
The storage and operational life of instrument ball bearings are greatly imporved by 'barrier films', i.e., thin films of fluorinated organic polymers applied to the metal surface to prevent the spread or migration of lubricant liquid away from critical bearing areas. Because major opeational and economic advantages are derived from the use of extremely thin films (0.1 to 1.0 micron), the optimum coatings are difficult to detect visually. Current difficulties in determining barrier-film location could be alleviated by incorporating a suitable fluorescent indicator in the dilute solutions used to prepare the barrier films. Air-dried and heat-dried coatings solvent-deposited from an experimental formulation containing such an indicator are shown to exhibit a useful level of fluorescence under uv radiation after solidification in situ. Wear and storage tests were conducted. Silicone oil-retention experiments and extensive contact angle measurements for a variety of organic liquids reveal no significant difference in wettability between the commercial and the experimental films. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0741206
Entities
People
- Elaine G. Shafrin
- Vincent G. Fitzsimmons
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory