Metals transfer and oxidation of copper—steel surfaces in electrical sliding contact

Abstract Metal transfer and oxidation in a copper—steel couple sliding electric contact are studied. In previous papers we have demonstrated the influence of an electric field and a high thermal gradient. These two phenomena influence the adhesive transfer and the oxide growth at the interface that leads to the decrease of contact adhesion and to abrasive wear. The diffusion processes of oxygen in the transferred oxide layer will be summarized and a model proposed.