Examining a Mechanism of Generating the Fragments of Protective Film in the Trybological System "Epoxycomposite–steel"

The influence of multifunctional fillers on wear resistance of epoxycomposites, operated under conditions of friction without lubrication at elevated slip velocity and loadings was explored. Introduction of these fillers in the optimum amount provides high cohesive strength and gives epoxycomposites tribotechnical properties. The developed composition of epoxycomposite materials allows the implementation of the effect of selective transfer during friction interaction.Wear intensity of epoxycomposites under different loading and velocity modes was determined, which made it possible to establish favourable mode of formation of a protective film.The analysis of structural elements of tribosurfaces of epoxycomposite materials and a counter body was carried out and chemical composition of fragments of the protective film on tribosufraces was defined. It proved a hypothesis on the formation of a copper protective film at tribosurfaces as a result of selective transfer. The reasons for initiation of the process of generation of protective film fragments on surfaces of tribobodies was established and the sequence of stages of its formation in highly filled epoxycomposites was defined. The shape, dimensions and the area of fragments of a protective film, formed at tribosurfaces of the system "epoxycomposite – a steel counter body" system, were determined. The formed film in the form of fragments of elongated shape in direction of the friction process stabilizes the process of tribointeraction due to the capability of self-restoring.Using the developed epoxycomposites, which operate under the mode of selective transfer, decreases friction coefficient and wear intensity due to the formation of laminar and porous structure of a film. Accordingly, it will allow controlling the process of friction, reducing material and economic costs in the process of maintenance and repair of equipment, which solves topical scientific and practical tasks of modern tribomaterials science.Feasibility of using the protective copper films in tribonodes was established, which will make it possible to expand the area of using the epoxycomposite triboproducts in machine building, instrument engineering, chemical and light industries