Research on microstructure of the auto-restoration layer of worn surface of metals

The auto-restoration technology (ART) of worn surface of metals is a innovative technology for the maintainace and operation of mechanical equipments. Application not only introduces wear prevetion of the machinery parts, but also restores the worn surfaces to the design dimension. The reconditioning mechanism is, the reconditioner, formulated with common oils and greases as mere carriers, recycled to the worn surfaces of metals, induces chemical reactions under friction heat to generate a protecting layer of new substances which reduces the direct contracion of tribo-surfaces. In this study, the microstrucure of auto-restoration layer of worn surface of metals was investigated. The results indicate that the auto-restoration layer composes Fe2C as matrix plus Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Carbyne, allotrope of carbon, presenting at the interface between the auto-restoration layer and the substrate, is formed through a decomposition of the lubricating oil during early wear stage. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.