Means of Inhibiting Mechanochemical Wear in Polymer-Metal Pairs

5 Means of Inhibiting Mechanochemical Wear in Polymer-Metal Pairs 

The analysis of corrosion factors during polymer-metal pair wear has proved that the main path is electrochemical protection of the metal counterbody neutralization of corrosion agents formed in the friction zone and suppression of corrosion processes in the polymer-metal contact. These directions are realized by the means illustrated in Fig. 4.6 [37]. They are subdivided into two groups according to the use of special substances or physical fields and power effects. 

Wear inhibitors (WI) are substances able to alleviate mechanochemical wear in friction joints [18]. The notion of WI helps to generalize numerous means of fighting corrosion in machines and mechanisms independently of their friction joint design and composition. 

Solid WI are used as triboengineering structural or lubricating materials. Plastics filled with solid lubricants are included in this class of materials since they lower the heat-induced strain in frictional joints through a reduction of the corrosion activity of the products of tribochemical reactions. Fusible metals and alloys of frictional parts may also ensure a protective effect 

In its true sense, any component of a tribosystem promoting suppression of unfavorable tribochemical processes in the friction zone, irrespective of whether it was impregnated or formed internally, can be related to WI [34]. WI can be formed both as a result of physical-chemical interactions of polymers and metals, or physical fields and energy effects on a part or friction joint. This can be, e.g. thermochemical or radiation-thermal treatment, ion implantation, superposition of electrical and magnetic fields, shifts of electrode potentials, passage of electrical current, etc. 

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