Hydrogen's interaction with hardened surface layers in lubricated frictional couples

The obtained results confirmed the influence of surface layer structure on the boundary layer durability of oil in concentrated contact. The advantageous effect of increased concentration of hydrogen in surface layer on the quality of lubrication as well as its significant contribution to tribological process was validated. The results of boundary friction for different structures of surface layer will be presented taking into consideration or not the influence of hydrogen on their durability. The experimental methods were based on the measurements of relative time when the short circuit was present in lubricated frictional nodes, chromatography and low-temperature diffraction measurements. The physico-chemical model of interaction between lubricant (oil base and motor oil) and hardened elements varied from chemical and structural point of view has been proposed. The model is based on the specific interactions of protons with aliphatic chains of lubricant.