Tribological Study of Chemical States of Protective Oxide Film Formed on Steel After Sliding in Humid Atmosphere and in Aqueous Solutions

Abstract

A tribological study of low-carbon steel was carried out in humid atmospheres and in corrosive aqueous solutions (water and 1 percent H2 O2 solution), to determine the chemical states of the protective oxide film and its tribological properties. The chemical states of the oxide film on the slid steel surface were determined using an electron probe microanalyzer. The analytical results showed that the Fe3 O4 layer effectively reduced the friction coefficient, whereas FeO and Fe2 O3 did not. The chemical states and compositions of the oxide film were attributed to the sliding conditions which induced the oxidation tribologically. And the oxide forms remained stable until analysis even in the aqueous solutions. Friction work was a simple and useful parameter for classifying corrosive and mechanical wear on the slid surface.