INFLUENCE OF LASER BORIDING ON THE FRICTION AND WEAR OF SLIDING COUPLES WITH BEARING ALLOYS

Abstract

The present study discusses the influence of laser borided surface layer on the parameters of sliding couples lubricated by engine oil. The borided layer was created by laser remelting of a surface layer of steel samples coated with amorphous boron. The study of friction, wear, and lubrication was conducted on the pairs made of steel AISI 5045 and SAE-783 and SAE-48 bearing alloys which were lubricated with 15W/40 engine oil. The research showed important differences in the friction coefficient and temperature in the tested couple with laser borided surface layer. In the couples containing the counterparts with SAE-783 bearing alloy, the tested parameter of friction was higher than in the couple composed of counterparts with SAE-48 bearing alloy. The counterparts with SAE-48 showed more intensive wear in contact with the laser borided surface layer than the counterpart with SAE 783. The process of friction at the contact area of the sliding couple with laser borided surface layer leads to the destruction of the lubricating properties of 15W/40 engine oil and reduces its resistance to scuffing and seizure.