EVALUATION OF THE INTERFACE AT BOUNDARY LUBRICATION USING THE MEASUREMENT OF ELECTRIC-CONDUCTIVITY

Models of interfaces are considered for boundary-lubricated point cont acts of noble metals. Different conductivities (metallic, tunnel, ther moelectronic, that of lubricating layer) have been estimated as to the ir contribution in the total contact conductivity. It is shown that th e presence of metal contact spots is not always a necessary condition of high conductivity of lubricated contacts. Experimental studies were conducted and the results are presented on electric conductivity of l ubricated point contacts of noble metals under normal loading and slid ing conditions.