Friction Reduction From Electrochemically Deposited Films

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The lubricated sliding friction characteristics of both electrochemically precharged and uncharged piston ring specimens were determined m a laboratory friction apparatus. The iron phosphate films deposited on precharged piston ring specimens from a specific lubricant blend reduced both static and dynamic friction by as much as 25 to 35 percent. The mechanisms of friction reduction using electrochemically deposited films were investigated and interpreted in terms of surface roughness reduction and reaction film formation. The bulk metal properties influenced both the degree to which precharged films could be applied to a metal surface and the friction measured in a lubricated sliding contact. In addition, the friction characteristics and surface morphology of the iron phosphate films deposited on precharged piston ring specimens from a hydrocarbon-based medium were compared with those of traditional phosphate coatings made in an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid. The iron phosphate film deposited on precharged ring specimens consists of an amorphous structure and provides lower friction than does either traditional crystalline manganese or iron phosphate coatings.