Tribocorrosie

Tribocorrosion is a complex degradation process that occurs at the interface between two surfaces in relative motion, often in a corrosive environment. It is a synergistic effect, meaning the combined damage from wear and corrosion is greater than the sum of their individual effects. This phenomenon arises when mechanical actions like sliding, fretting, or impact are superimposed on a material that is susceptible to corrosion.

The process begins with mechanical wear, which can remove protective passive films or expose fresh metal surfaces. These newly exposed areas are then more vulnerable to electrochemical attack by the surrounding corrosive medium. The continuous abrasion or deformation caused by the relative motion can repeatedly disrupt any nascent corrosion products or protective layers, preventing their repair and accelerating the corrosion rate. This cyclical process of material removal and electrochemical attack leads to significant material loss and surface degradation.

Factors influencing tribocorrosion include the nature of the materials in contact, the type and magnitude of the mechanical loading, the sliding speed, the environmental conditions (e.g., pH, presence of specific ions), and temperature. Common examples of tribocorrosion can be observed in mechanical seals, bearings, pipelines, artificial joints, and marine structures. Understanding and mitigating tribocorrosion is crucial for extending the service life and reliability of components operating under such demanding conditions. Mitigation strategies often involve material selection, surface treatments, lubrication, and control of the operating environment.