The influence of oxides on the friction and wear of alloys

Development of compacted oxides, particular y so-called ‘glazes’, on sliding metal and alloy surfaces can result in significant decreases in friction coefficients and wear rates. This paper describes how such ‘glazes’ can form on many alloys under a wide range of sliding conditions. ‘Glazes’ consist of very fine, compacted, crystalline particles of almost any oxide or oxides. Formation of the oxide, the subsequent development of the ‘glaze’, and the mechanisms by which the ‘glaze’ reduces friction and wear are discussed