Supralubrication - Polymer brushes for the watch industry

• Research unit: INNOSUISSE
• Project number: 11974.1;5 PFIW-IW

Short description (German)

Supralubrication - Polymer brushes for the watch industry

Short description (English)

Supralubrication - Polymer brushes for the watch industry

Abstract (German)

The aim of this project is developing surface-modification technologies for friction and wears reduction, applicable in watch movements. The technology is based on surface-anchored polymer chains in a brush-like configuration under a solvent. Providing efficient lubrication will required a suitable surface-grafting technology, a monomer and a tailored solvent have to be matched. For this purpose a polymer-synthesis program with specific monomer systems has to be conducted, followed by laboratory-scale tribological experiments, and subsequent testing in watch movements.

Abstract (English)

The aim of this project is developing surface-modification technologies for friction and wears reduction, applicable in watch movements. The technology is based on surface-anchored polymer chains in a brush-like configuration under a solvent. Providing efficient lubrication will required a suitable surface-grafting technology, a monomer and a tailored solvent have to be matched. For this purpose a polymer-synthesis program with specific monomer systems has to be conducted, followed by laboratory-scale tribological experiments, and subsequent testing in watch movements.