ABSTRACT
Abstract Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and their composite thin films coated onto a nickel-titanium substrate by spin coating were characterized. Relationship between the sintering temperature and mechanical properties, such as friction coefficient, adhesion strength and shearing stress, was evaluated. The friction coefficient of PTFE thin films slightly decreased with increase of the sintering temperature, however, that of the PVA thin films increased. Friction coefficient of the PTFE-PVA thin films was almost the same as that of the PTFE thin film. The adhesion strength and shearing stress of the PTFE-PVA composite and PVA thin films decreased with increasing sintering temperature. Higher sintering temperatures would cause decomposition of the PVA molecules and influence the friction coefficient, adhesion strength and shearing stress of the PTFE-PVA composite and PVA thin films.
