NBR surface modification by Ar plasma and its tribological properties

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to study the possibility and validity of using radio frequency (RF) power argon (AR) ion plasma treatment to modify the surface of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and the change in the chemical structure under various bias voltage. Using wear test, the authors also compared the friction and wear properties of untreated and treated NBR. Design/methodology/approach - The hybrid RF-power sputtering system was used to generate RF Ar plasma to modify the surface of NBR specimens. The tribological properties were evaluated by ball-on-disc test using a load cell mounted on the ball holder. Findings - It was found that the NBR surface treated by the Ar plasma improved the wettability, friction and wear performance than the untreated NBR. The ATR-IR analysis indicated that the improvement come from the oxygen based functional groups generated on the surface of NBR. The improvement of friction and wear resistance may also come from the formation of nanostructure surface. Originality/value - In this study, the authors develop the RF AR ion plasma treatment at different bias voltage, and it has been used to modify the surface of NBR to increase the tribological performance.