The nature of surfaces and their influence in wear mechanisms

The wear of materials is strongly dependent upon the nature of the solid surfaces in contact, their properties and the nature of the films on them. Oxide films, orientation, crystal transformations, adhesive binding, crystal structure, hardness and the presence of alloying agents are all shown to effect one or more of the forms of wear. The three most common forms of wear, adhesive, abrasive, and corrosive, are discussed in terms of the way each is affected by various material properties. Results presented indicate how wear can be optimized by concern for properties of materials.