Surface Analysis of Stainless Steel Outer Race Bearing Specimens.

摘要

The results of analysis of R-4 stainless steel instrument bearings, subjected to various wear cycles, are reported to describe the fate of a synthetic Schiff base lubricant additive at the bearing wear track surfaces. The surfaces were monitored by x-ray, photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to characterize all lubricant (and grease) species of interest. The data indicate a general modification or degradation of both the lubricant and ubiquitous fluorinated grease ('Kryto-x') additive during the wear stages. Chemical and structural compositions are described for residual derivatives at the bearing track surfaces. Further studies are recommended that will enable Confirmation of both the chemical fate and the molecular mechanism of lubricant additives candidates.