| High resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy was used to measure the vibrational frequencies of in situ deposited films of Fomblin Y on polycrystalline molybdenum. Molecular Fomblin Y vibrations can be identified as follows: 32meV, (chain wag); 68 meV, {dollar}delta{dollar}(CF{dollar}sb3{dollar}); 88 meV, {dollar}delta{dollar}(OCO); 125meV, {dollar}nu{dollar}(CO); 157 meV, {dollar}nusb{lcub}rm s{rcub}{dollar} (CF{dollar}sb3{dollar}); and 314 meV, 2{dollar}nusb{lcub}rm s{rcub}{dollar} (CF{dollar}sb3{dollar}).; The results from decomposition studies of Fomblin Y indicate that the decomposition pathways for thermal and electron stimulated desorption are different. In both cases initial fragmentation of the lubricant molecule proceeds with the disappearance of the vibrational modes at 32 and 88 meV. The onset of thermal decomposition is at 600K. Electron stimulated desorption was seen to occur at a beam energy of 20 eV, with a beam current of 0.5 {dollar}mu{dollar}A. The decomposition pathways then proceed differently for the respective degradation processes.; Adsorption and decomposition of Fomblin Y is compared with results on the adsorption and thermal decomposition of a model compound, trifluoroacetic acid. It is found that trifluoroacetic acid and Fomblin Y decomposition pathways evolve in a similar manner.; A technique for observing tribochemical reactions in situ and in real time is presented by using photoelectron emission microscopy. Contact experiments with a stylus on cylinder system show no evidence of tribochemistry for an Aluminum/Fomblin Y/polycrystaline molybdenum system; lubrication and wear processes were observed. Photoelectron emission microscopy images of lubricant layers indicate wetting of the surface is dependent on surface preparation. |
