Attempts on elementary mechanisms in machinery element damage

Metal surfaces in machinery element test runs as well as in practical use seem to undergo a complex reaction scenery on the damage route. These processes were induced even at low temperatures (< 100úC) catalyzed by reactive intermediates which seem to be formed through water degradation on the iron surface. Oxygen as well as nitrogen seem to play an important role within this process. Organic material present as a lubricant is attacked heavily to give metabolites with oxygen and nitrogen incorporation. Some reactive intermediates formed in the mixed friction process are trapped by an experimental procedure.