The Influence of the Elemental Composition of Friction Materials on the Composition, Microrelief and the Mechanical Characteristics of Metal Counterbody’s Surface Layers

Experimental study of microscopic mechanisms of interaction of polymer composite materials and counterbody metal in a friction unit are carried out. Polymer composites were modified by introduction of various additives containing boron, alkali metals, tungsten and others. The analysis of the surface topography of the counterbody material was conducted by using atomic force microscopy. Electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were applied for the interpretation of the obtained results. It is shown that by changing the modifying additives in the material matrix and varying friction modes it is possible both to control the composition of the frictional transfer film on the metal counterbody and to change the microrelief of metal.