Abstract
Scuffing is becoming a common failure mode in gears and bearings. It has been shown that some polymethacrylates (PMAs) when used as additives can enhance the anti-scuffing performance of lubricants. This study has employed a step-sliding speed scuffing test to explore the ability of PMAs to prevent scuffing when a rolling/sliding contact is subjected to immediate severe conditions. It is found that the PMA concentration and properties such as sulphur content, Mw and functional group significantly affect scuffing protection. It is suggested that PMAs provide scuffing protection by forming thick and dense adsorption films that can withstand high sliding conditions.
