Environmental effects in tribology

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The chemistry involved in tribological interactions of two rubbing solids is complicated [1,2]. Mechanical contact, deformation, and shear at the interface create dynamic and often chemically reactive conditions for the atoms at the surface and within the subsurface [1]. Unless tribological contacts are made in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions with no molecules adsorbed on the surface, or in ultra-high purity gases with absolutely no reactive impurities, there always will be third “chemical” components involved in the tribology in addition to the two sliding and counter-sliding solid surfaces. These third components can drastically alter the tribological responses of the solid interfaces. Those are the molecules impinging onto the solid surface from the surrounding space. If a liquid lubricant is utilized to mitigate the friction and wear problems between two solid contacts, then it is obvious that the tribological interface consists of three components; that is, solid–-liquid–-solid. Even if there is no liquid lubricant added to the system, there are always molecules adsorbed onto the solid surface from the gas phase that act as a third tribological component.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMicro- and Nanoscale Phenomena in Tribology
PublisherCRC Press
Pages153-188
Number of pages36
ISBN (Electronic)9781439839232
ISBN (Print)9781138072350
StatePublished - Jan 1 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Engineering
  • General Materials Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Environmental effects in tribology'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this