Lubrication Film Wear, Track Wear
These particles are a little unusual because they are not
the typical elongated, tapered cylinder, but they are track wear just
the same. These particles broke away from the track surface as fragments of the
lubricating film. The linear striations of the roller are evident on the
particle at left. These particles auto-welded to the roller but disengaged and
became airborne before a full rotation of the roller.
Transmitted Off Crossed Circular Polarized Light and Reflected Darkfield Illumination
Definition/Function:
These particles are an example of lubrication film wear typical of roller-track
environments. These include
file cabinet drawers, desk drawers, and even overhead cranes. They are formed by the
slight slippage that occurs during motion and
the hydrocarbon film that develops on the metal runner over time. These particles are
typically black, with an organic matrix and
significant numbers of very small metal wear particles.
Significance in the Environment:
Characteristic Features:
Track wear particles tend to have low reflectivity because the polymer matrix is
transparent. The pattern of the reflection indicates
a smooth surface by virtue of its conformance to the gross morphology of the particle.
Associated Particles:
References:
