Effect on lubrication regimes with silicon nitride and bearing steel balls

- Third body interaction with sliding contact surfaces are clearly captured.
- The oil film breaking point was clearly visualized during the wear testing.
- The lubrication regimes was clearly explained with supporting documents.
- The ceramic and steel ball wear comparison was studied in accordance with rolling element bearings.
- The latest techniques like SEM, FTIR and Profilometer are utilized for detailed analysis.

The wear characteristics and an effect of lubrication regime between silicon nitride and steel balls sliding against reference material discs under lubricated conditions were studied. The mild wear was observed for silicon nitride balls and the worn out particles confirms the adhesive wear and simultaneous cutting action of worn-out particles. The worn-out surface analysis confirmed the material transfer from steel disc to silicon nitride ball. Eventually the coefficient of friction (COF) value was reduced by 25% for silicon nitride ball when compared to steel ball due to the formation of mixed oil regime between the contact surfaces. The more depletion of anti-wear additives and oxidation was observed for steel ball due to boundary lubrication.