Tribological behavior of CrNiMo steel at very high speed and elevated temperature in oxygen atmosphere

By using a special tribo-tester, the friction and wear behavior of CrNiMo steel at very high speed and elevated temperature in oxygen atmosphere was studied. Morphology and surface element distribution of the worn surfaces were analyzed by SEM and EDS, respectively. The results show that the tribological behaviors of CrNiMo steel were mainly influenced by the atmosphere and controlled by the oxide film generated during the process of friction and wear at room temperature, and the wear mechanism were abrasion and oxidation. At elevated temperature, the tribological properties of CrNiMo steel were more influenced by ambient temperature than by atmosphere. The heat-transfer capability of the pairs was degraded by elevated temperature. The wear mechanism of steel was mainly oxidation and adhesion.