The formation of surface films at the transition between mild and severe metallic wear

Abstract

The conditions of sliding have been found in which a transition occurs between the régimes of mild and severe wear for a leaded brass (60/40 brass containing 2% lead) sliding on hardened steel without lubrication. At light loads, low speeds, and low temperatures, mild wear begins when sufficient time is available to establish a protective surface film by oxidation; in addition, mild wear also occurs at heavy loads, high speeds and high temperatures because of an increase in the rate of oxidation. The topography and composition of the films generated on the brass during mild wear have been examined by reflexion electron microscopy and X-ray micro-analysis. The presence of a relatively large proportion of iron oxide in the surface layers, originating from the steel, increases their hardness and, in turn, causes wear of the steel itself. The variation of the rates of mild wear with load and speed is complex and, in contrast to the severe wear process, there is no unique mechanism of wear. It is concluded that mild wear of brass results from the combined effects of intermittent metal-to-metal contact, abrasion by oxide particles, and flaking of the oxide layers from the surface.