Grease effect on fretting wear of mild steel

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to research grease and additives' influence on fretting wear of mild steel.

Design/methodology/approach

Experiments were performed on a laboratory stand with contact conditions cylinder on flat. The mild steel couples were tested under dry conditions and lubricated with mineral and synthetic greases containing as additives: graphite, molybdenum disulphide, ZDDP and molybdenum dithiocarbamate in different concentrations.

Findings

The results revealed a significant influence of grease consistency and its welding load on the fretting wear of steel couples. Graphite and molybdenum disulphide were effective in a 10 percent concentration. ZDDP additive in a more than 1 percent concentration increased fretting wear. Molybdenum dithiocarbamate was not more effective than molybdenum disulphide powder. Grease lubrication of the fretted couple changed significantly the wear mechanism observed on SEM photographs of fretting scars.

Practical implications

The paper presents some indications of proper selection of grease for fretting prevention.

Originality/value

The influence of the main features of grease on fretting wear was confirmed on the basis of extensive investigation.

Citation

Neyman, A. and Sikora, J. (2008), "Grease effect on fretting wear of mild steel", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 60 No. 2, pp. 67-78. https://doi.org/10.1108/00368790810858368