Characterization of the tribological behavior of the textured steel surfaces fabricated by photolithographic etching

A photolithography etching technique was used to fabricate textured surfaces on steel samples. The friction and wear behavior of the textured surfaces were studied with surface contact sliding. The influence of the diameter and the density of the dimples were investigated. The results show that the textured surfaces with appropriate diameters and densities had excellent friction reducing and antiwear properties. Large-diameter dimples can destroy the integrity of the lubricating film, and low- or high-density dimples produce more iron sulfates and fewer ferrous sulfides on the rubbing surfaces due to the tribo-reactions, which resulted in higher friction coefficients. The tribo-chemical films, oil micro-reservoir and wear debris-containing roles of the dimples together help the textured surfaces to provide improved antiwear properties.