Effect of nano-Cu lubrication additive on the contact fatigue behavior of steel

Abstract

Effects of four different concentrations of nano-Cu lubrication additives on contact fatigue properties of GCr15 steel friction pairs were evaluated on a ball-rod contact fatigue tester. The anti-fatigue mechanisms of these additives were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photo electron spectroscopy. The test results and analyses show that all of these additives can raise the contact fatigue life of steel ball elements to a certain extent. The action of 10% additive is the better. It is confirmed that the main failure of the steel ball element is fatigue desquamation. The anti-fatigue mechanism of lubrication additives mainly accounts for forming a chemical reaction film on the steel rod and ball surface and decreasing in friction between the ball and rod, enhancing the ability of anti-wear. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.