Scuffing resistance of phosphate esters II: Effect of applied voltage

Abstract

The scuffing resistance of tricresyl phosphate under severe conditions of lubrication was investigated using a reconstructed Timken machine. Although the iron phosphate formed on rubbing surfaces is effective in preventing scuffing under mild lubricating conditions, transformation to iron phosphide is essential to prevent scuffing under severe lubricating conditions. The friction polymer produced during tests is beneficial in increasing scuffing resistance. The formation of surface films is influenced by the electric current flowing between the rubbing surfaces as a result of the formation of a galvanic cell or an externally applied voltage. To prevent scuffing it is beneficial to promote film formation on a surface operating under more severe lubricating conditions than those of the mating surface. However, excessive promotion of surface film formation by the applied voltage decreases scuffing resistance by preventing film formation on the mating surface.