Influence of the Counter-Body Material on Micro-Abrasion-Corrosion

This study aims to investigate how the ball material used in micro-abrasion-corrosion testing affects AISI 304 stainless steel. Three different spherical counter-bodies were utilized: a ceramic (Si3N4) and two thermoplastic polymers (polypropylene-PP and polyacetal-POM). The findings revealed that micro-abrasion corrosion tests using Si3N4 balls resulted in a lower wear rate and friction coefficient compared to tests using PP and POM polymeric balls. Moreover, the study revealed that the removal of the passive layer was less effective in tests that used ceramic counter-bodies, as evidenced by the evaluation of the minimum passivation current density.