ABSTRACT
Two major classes of compounds have been developed from the concept of tribopolymerization proposed by Furey and Kajdas. The first, condensation-type monomers, formed the core of Furey’s early work. It was suggested that high surface temperatures generated in tribological contact initiated the “in situ” polymerization of adsorbed monomers [1]. The second class, addition-type monomers, was also investigated, spurred on by the ideas proposed by Kajdas, who postulated that the polymerization of these compounds (e.g., vinyl-type monomers) was initiated by the emission of low-energy electrons from the surfaces in contact [2]. Experimental evidence supporting the action of each monomer class was obtained. We believe that we now have a better understanding of the mechanism(s) of tribopolymerization in reducing wear. However, several questions concerning detailed action remain. It is a complex and challenging problem of tribochemistry.
