Tribological studies of unpolished laser surface textures under starved lubrication conditions for use in air-conditioning and refrigeration compressors

An experimental study was carried out to investigate the tribological performance of different laser surface texture patterns, with unpolished material bulges around the dimples, under realistic operating conditions of starved lubrication, for use in air-conditioning and refrigeration compressors. Compared to untextured gray cast iron surfaces, the texture patterns showed significant tribological improvements. Long durability tests also highlighted the long term usefulness of surface texturing. The dominant wear mode of the texture patterns was found to be mechanical polishing and the tribological behavior was found to be largely independent of the type of lubricant or refrigerant.

► Tribology of textured surfaces in compressor environment under starved lubrication.
► Textured surfaces exhibited superior tribological performance.
► Wear rate of textured surfaces was extremely low, similar to hard coatings.
► Mechanical rubbing was the dominant wear mechanism.