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 mm to 4.0 mm. 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 but adiene rubber. Oscillating ball-on-plate contact was chosen to induce rapid wear. Significant wear protection was found to depend on applied load and elastomer type. Film thicknesses in the range of 1 mm to 2.5 mm were recommended.