Reciprocating Wear Test of AISI 52100 Bearing Steelin h-BN-based Aqueous Lubricants

Abstract

In this study, reciprocating wear tests are performed on AISI 52100 bearing steel to investigate its tribological behavior in a hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) water solution. The h-BN-based aqueous lubricant is prepared using an atoxic procedure called ultrasonic sonication in pure water. Ball-on-flat reciprocating sliding experiments are conducted, where the ball is slewed on a fixed flat at 50-μm displacement. The lubricating behavior of h-BN is compared with that of deionized (DI) water. Results show that the friction coefficient is higher in h-BN testing than that in DI tests, but the results are equalized as the friction coefficient reaches a stable level. Scanning electron microscopic images reveal significant material loss in the center and mild abrasion on the edge of the wear scar in h-BN tests. However, these effects are minor in DI water situations. The results of energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy show that considerable oxidation occurs in the central zone of the wear scar in h-BN cases with strong adhesion and material removal. These findings reveal the importance of determining ideal circumstances that can tolerate material friction and wear.