An Electrochemical Method for Investigating Corrosion in Rubbing Surfaces

Abstract

An electrochemical polarization cell has been designed in which the test electrode is a rotating disk with a pin for the load contact to simulate a rubbing surface and a chamber for the electrolyte to create a diverse corrosive environment. Polarization measurements are performed on several bearing alloys with various corrosion properties (both the active and the passive type). The effects of the load, the speed, and the nature of the environment are studied to establish a correlation between corrosion, wear, and the nature of protective films formed on rubbing surfaces.