Effects of tribooxidation on sliding behavior of aluminum

The frictional behavior of aluminum was studied with a pin-on-disk wear test apparatus. Disks of aluminum were tested in sliding against 440C stainless steel pins. The effects of key experimental parameters such as test environment, sliding velocity and applied load on the frictional behavior and on microstructure evolution were explored. Characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to study surface changes, structure evolution and chemical changes during sliding. The role of oxygen was explored by conducting tests in different environments. The frictional behavior and wear morphology was significantly affected by the extent of oxidation. The role of temperature rise during sliding is also considered.