Utilization of Metals to Improve the Lubrication of Ceramic Load-Bearing Devices. Topical Report, September 1, 1987-December 1, 1990

摘要

The objective of the study is to determine which potential constituents can be incorporated into ceramic bearing surfaces in order to enhance rates of film formation at elevated temperatures (700 deg C). Tricresyl Phosphate (TCP) and Trimethylolpropane Triheptanoate (TMPTH) were chosen as the vapor-delivered lubricants, and a wide variety of metals were evaluated using the vapor deposition test. The results of the study indicate that a small amount of metal incorporated into the ceramic surface can promote the formation of a lubricating film. Also, it is possible that a lightly loaded ferrous alloy-bearing separator or retainer could be incorporated in a ceramic rolling element bearing as a source of catalytic activity for enhanced deposit formation.