Tribocorrosion Test Module

Tribocorrosion Test Module

A special tribo-corrosion module is specially designed to be able to operate with UTS TRIBOLOG main test platform. Tribo-corrosion is a surface degradation process that occurs simultaneously with tribological processes and corrosion effects. Tribo-corrosion test is a test method to be used for evaluating the combined effect of friction/wear and corrosion. If there is a corrosion cell that can be adapted to the rotational movement module, friction and wear can be characterized by different natural corrosive environments (salt water, body fluid, acidic solutions, etc.). A modernized module with a reciprocating motion system can make the electro-tribocorrosion tests by the addition of a potentiostat. The module is made of corrosion-resistant material. For the removal of the heat generated during tribo-corrosion tests, a constant temperature bath with a water circulation system is provided.

Test Method

These tests can be explained in two cases. In the first case, corrosion tests are carried out without any electrical current in the corrosive liquid. These tests can be performed for both rotational and reciprocating motion types. In the second case, tests can be carried out in the electrochemical environment formed by passing a current inside the corrosion cell. This test is only available for the linear reciprocating motion type. In both cases, the test specimen is fixed to the special holder in the corrosive liquid and the force is applied to it by the elastic arm. A three-dimensional electrochemical cell in the electro-tribocorrosion process is fixed on the table and a current circuit is made with a platinum cable and an Ag / AgCl NaCl (salt) reference electrode. The system is characterized by a potentiostat (The open circuit potential (OCP)) and in real time the tribo-corrosion process is characterized. The decrease in OCP potential is taken as a sign of the failure of the protector passive film. In addition, the variation in friction coefficient also provides preliminary results for the change in the wear process. These tests can also be carried out under anodic and cathodic polarization conditions and the acceleration and deceleration behavior of the corrosion process is also observed.

Test Samples

In electro-tribocorrosion tests, generally flat-shaped samples in certain geometry are used. Alumina balls are provided as abrasive. Other ball types are also possible to be used as abrasives. A special holding system is used to secure the samples. In these tests, the test cell and all its components are made of corrosion-resistant materials.

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