Abstract

This chapter tabulates the effects of pressure on lubricants and the loss of surface films in high vacuum. Oil lubricants increase considerably in viscosity and density; they may even go solid. Gases in contact with lubricants dissolve in them on decompression as results of high pressure on lubricants. Surface-contaminant films of soaps, oils and water, and surface layers of oxides, enable components to rub together without seizure under normal atmospheric conditions. Increasing vacuum causes the films to be lost and reduces the rate at which oxide layers reform after rubbing. The chance of seizure is therefore increased. Seizure can be minimized by using pairs of metals, which are not mutually soluble.

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