Influence of water vapour on the wear of lightly loaded contacts
article
The wear of Ag-Au-Cu in lightly loaded sliding contact with Cu-Ni-Zn, Cu-Zn, Cu-Sn and Cu has been studied as a function of normal load and relative humidity of the surrounding atmosphere. For experiments under relatively low normal loads, a characteristic zero wear period occurs. The duration of this period is predicted adequately by the methamatical "model" proposed by Bayer and Ku. The endurance of the sliding couple increases abruptly at a critical value of relative humidity. This critical value is a function of the alloy composition, probably being determined by the water adsorption characteristics of the different surface oxides. Critical humidities found for Cu, Cu-Zn, Cu-Sn and Cu-Ni-Zn at 18°C are, respectively, 30%, 35%, 45% and 55%. © 1971.
TNO Identifier
227281
ISSN
00431648
Source
Wear, 18(4), pp. 325-332.
Pages
325-332
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