Nonequilibrium thermodynamic model of diffusion processes in the steel - carbon thin film tribological system

A nonequilibrium thermodynamic model of dissipative processes in the tribological system steel – carbon thin film was developed. Cross coefficients and driving forces in the Onsager equation for the diffusion of carbon onto the friction surface of hypereutectoid steel are calculated. The thermodynamic conditions for the implementation of the selective transfer process in the tribological system under consideration are determined. Simple differential equations are obtained for the tribological system of carbon steel - graphite, which describe the effect of stresses on the diffusion of carbon, production based on nonequilibrium thermodynamics. It is shown, that the implementation of selective transfer requires the development of diffusion processes without the formation of excess phases. Therefore, carbon steel should be alloyed mainly with elements of the first group that increase the thermodynamic activity of carbon in steel - silicon, nickel, copper, cobalt and phosphorus. Recommendations are formulated on metallic materials choosing for minimal contact wear in contacted pairs of machines parts.