Scuffing as Influenced by Oxygen and Moisture

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Abstract
The effect of air on scuffing has been studied with a four-ball tester and ball-on-cylinder device. Water vapor is as effective as oxygen in preventing scuffing with lubricated systems, and even more effective in unlubricated sliding. On the other hand, under certain conditions, the combination of oxygen and moisture gives a type of scuffing caused by excessive corrosive and abrasive wear; this behavior is limited to very pure oils having low viscosity at test conditions. Contrary to previous statements in the literature, additives do not require air or moisture for their effectioeness. In fact, oxygen and water can actually interfere with certain additives on certain metals. All of the above atmosphere effects can be interpreted in terms of the formation or destruction of protective films.
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