Chemisorption of diatomic gas molecules and atmospheric characteristics in adhesive wear and friction of metals

Abstract

Atmospheric characteristics in adhesive wear and friction of pure metals tested in a pin and disk configuration are determined in the conditions of controlled gas environment. The relationship between wear (or friction) and atmospheric pressure, i.e. the atmospheric characteristics, is studied for three kinds of diatomic gas molecules (oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen) in the pressure range from 2 × 10 −5 to 1 × 10 5 Pa. The atmospheric wear characteristics are divided into three kinds of specific types which depend on the strength of the chemisorption activity of gas molecules to the metals surfaces. Furthermore when the atmospheric gas strongly chemisorbs on to the metal surface the condition of mild wear development is defined by the chemisorption activities of each gas molecules.