Some aspects of the friction and wear of electrical sliding contacts under conditions of boundary lubrication

The friction characteristics of lubricated electrical sliding contacts are considered. Data are presented concerning the effects of the current, the lubricant properties, the velocity and the load on the friction and wear behaviour of the contacts. In light-current electrical contacts the effectiveness of the lubricant does not depend on its conductivity but on its ability to prevent the formation of a non-conductive film by lubricating action. Under semifluid lubricating conditions the heavy current acts by discharge through the lubricant film, and the lubricant conductivity generally determines the friction and wear characteristics of the contact. Colloidal metal particles produce additional conductivity in the clearance between the contacting surfaces, prevent electrical erosion and, in some cases, form plastic films which decrease the coefficient of friction and the wear rate of the contact.