Abstract
An integrated approach employing semiquantitative Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) depth profile analysis and mechanical wear in a Reichert cylinder-on-disc machine was applied to the study of worn surfaces under heavy load conditions in the presence of extreme pressure (EP) additives. A significant correlation between the sulphur content of the topmost reaction layer and the wear behaviour was observed, although the worn surfaces were not ideal for AES analysis. A repeatability of better than 10% was obtained on the basis of four independent measurements. The thickness of the sulphur- and phosphorus-rich surface layer formed in the presence of EP additives is much smaller than that of the so-called white layer produced by heavy deformation and a high local temperature. The observed wear-preventive action of the sulphur-rich reaction layer and the possibility of characterizing this layer by AES offer interesting approaches to the study of the mechanism of wear prevention by EP additives.
Published Version
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