Current-carrying friction in carbon coated ball bearing

Abstract In this work, we proposed a method for coating the whole surfaces of bearing balls uniformly by carbon film with rotatable ball clamp. We studied carbon/carbon friction self-designed current-carrying test system. A notable and instant force drop 28% significant wear alleviation were found when currents applied. By using TEM-, SEM-, EDS-analysis, special stacks mixture large particles oxide in areas under current applied condition. elucidated mechanisms as follows: (1) formation; (2) charged tribomicroplasma; (3) formation surface passivated electric force; (4) sliding between surfaces. This work may facilitate development novel solid-lubricated bearings lay some foundations rolling friction.