Wear Mechanisms of Bearing Steel Under Corrosive NaCl Solution: Comparative with Dry Friction, Water and Lube Oil Environment
摘要
This study comparatively investigated the tribological behavior of GCr15 bearing steel under different environments (5 wt.% NaCl solution, deionized water, lube oil, and dry air) using a ball-on-disk friction test system. By combining microscopic morphology, elemental distribution, and chemical state analysis, the wear mechanism of bearing steel in corrosive NaCl solution was revealed. The results showed that the NaCl solution significantly accelerated electrochemical corrosion through chloride ion catalysis, inducing the formation of loose oxide layers. During friction, this led to a synergistic effect between corrosion and wear, markedly intensifying material degradation. In dry friction conditions, the high friction coefficient and thermal effects promoted the formation of dense oxide films that reduced wear, resulting in relatively low material loss. The lube oil formed stable lubricating films due to its high viscosity and hydrophobic properties, significantly decreasing both the friction coefficient and wear volume. Compared to deionized water, lube oil enables the formation of thicker lubricating film, which enhances separation of contacting surfaces and consequently yields a significant reduction in friction. This research elucidates the regulatory mechanisms of different media on the interfacial reactions and wear patterns of bearing steel, providing a theoretical basis for corrosion protection and lubrication design in marine equipment bearings.