Hydrophobicity-dependent friction and wear of spin-on zeolite thin films

The friction and wear properties of spin-on zeolite MEL thin films are investigated using nanoscratch by a conical tip indenter. A vapor-phase silylation process is used to control the hydrophobicity of the zeolite surface. A critical load indicating initiation of significant plastic deformation is observed in the hydrophilic films, but not in the hydrophobic films. Although at low normal load the two films demonstrate similar friction behavior, at higher normal load, the hydrophobic zeolite film demonstrates significantly lower friction and greater wear resistance.