Vibration-induced dynamic interfacial adjustment of PTFE friction in an aqueous environment from the nanoscale

GQ Wang and Q Cheng and TQ Yin and YY Zhang and CB Ma and G Zhao, TRIBOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, 212, 111015 (2025).

DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2025.111015

This study explores the tribological behavior of PTFE under linear and vibrational friction using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Vibrational friction reduces adhesive wear and plastic deformation by dynamically adjusting the interface and preventing strain accumulation. It enhances energy absorption, stabilizes molecular interactions, and dissipates frictional heat more efficiently, preventing thermal softening. Radial distribution function (RDF) analysis shows that vibrational motion reduces interfacial adhesion and improves hydration layer structuring for better lubrication. Additionally, it promotes reversible bond deformation and dynamic polymer chain rearrangement, optimizing energy redistribution and maintaining structural integrity. These findings demonstrate that vibrational friction enhances wear resistance, energy efficiency, and interfacial stability, offering a promising strategy for improving polymer-based tribological performance.

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