Role of Iron in the Amorphization Process in Friction-Induced Phosphate Glasses

Wear debris from ZDDP lubricated tests run under mild wear conditions have been investigated by X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy (EXAFS). Special attention has been paid to the state of iron in the amorphous wear fragments. Results indicate the presence of Fe3+ species as a modifier of the phosphate network formed during tribo-reaction. As the anti-wear regime of ZDDP is characterized by a decrease of the abrasive wear, it is suggested that the anti-wear action of ZDDP is reliable to the diffusion of iron oxides in the phosphate, this latter being gently delaminated.