Tribological properties of boric acid and boric-acid-forming surfaces: Part 2, Formation and self-lubrication mechanisms of boric acid films on boron- and boric-oxide-containing surfaces

Abstract

This paper describes the formation and self-lubricating mechanisms of boric acid films on boron- and boric oxide-containing surfaces. As reported in part I, boric acid, owing to a layered triclinic crystal structure and weak interlayer bonds, enjoys an unusual lubrication capability. RF-magnetron sputtering and vacuum evaporation techniques were used to produce thin coatings of boron and boric oxides on steel substrates. The results of tribological experiments indicate that the room temperature friction coefficient of tribosystems that include boron and/or boric oxide coatings ranges from 0.05 to 0.07, depending on the coating type. Laser-Raman spectroscopy of these surfaces revealed that this low friction is associated with a thin boric acid film that forms on the surfaces of these coatings. The fabrication and potential importance of boric acid and boric acid-forming surfaces for practical applications are enumerated. Surface engineering of tribomaterials, such as these demonstrated in this paper, is suggested as a new lubrication concept for use in present and future tribological industries. 16 refs.