Temperature-driven evolution of oxide films on MAX300 steel and corresponding wear behavior under high-speed friction

Abstract

The temperature-driven evolution of oxide films on MAX300 steel was comprehensively investigated through a series of high-speed friction tests (up to 104 m/s), along with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron backscatter diffraction analysis, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. At a load of 300 N, increasing the sliding speed led to the formation of thicker but brittle gradient oxide films with low binding energy, resulting in spallation and peak wear at 6000 rad/min. At 9000 rad/min, a dense, self-lubricating film formed, significantly reducing wear. At a higher load of 600 N, the oxide film initially thickened owing to dislocation accumulation and then densified through high-temperature sintering. MD simulations showed enhanced interfacial binding, confirming improved film stability.