Lubrication Film Wear, Track Wear
These particles are typical elongated, tapered cylinders
that have broken as a result of handling the
tape. A slight reflection is evident on both sides of the midline of the cylinders.
This indicates that the reflectivity is low
and that the surface is smooth.
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:
