A Survey of the Development of Subsurface Zones in the Wear of Materials

Abstract

This paper reviews research from the authors' laboratories on the development of subsurface zones which arise in tribocontact. These tribolayers include a compositionally mixed near-surface region (Zone 3) and a plastically deformed intermediate region (Zone 2) which resides on the base material substrate (Zone 1). Research findings reviewed include major factors affecting zone formation, development and properties.