TRIBOCORR is a tribometer designed to perform friction tests in corrosive environments as per ASTM G199. Linear reciprocating ball-on-flat friction configuration is adopted in this tribometer. Tribological contact is fully submerged in corrosive liquid. Tribocorr includes a high-precision potentiostat for controlling electrochemical parameters of the tested sample. Three-electrode cell is formed with the sample serving as working electrode; standard Calomel and Platinum wire serving as reference and counter electrodes, respectively. This enables to investigate the synergistic effects of wear and corrosion and to separate their roles in the total material degradation.
TRIBOCORR is supplied with PC-based user interface and integrated data acquisition system to ensure user-friendly testing. Test data and machine status are continuously displayed on PC screen and saved to disk. Tribocorrosion software allows performing several testing protocols:
- Wear at Open circuit potential (OCP):
In wear at OCP, OCP is monitored and recorded before, during and after friction. OCP gives useful information on the state of the surface protective layer. OCP and friction coefficient are monitored and displayed on screen during testing.
- Potentiostatic Wear:
In Potentiostatic Wear, it is possible to apply either cathodic or anodic potentials during friction. In the first, corrosion is prohibited while in the second corrosion is forced through anodic current. Anodic/cathodic current and friction coefficient are monitored during testing.
- Potentiodynamic wear:
In Potentiodynamic wear, electrochemical polarization test is performed during friction to characterise the effect of friction on corrosion rate. Polarization curve and friction coefficient are monitored and displayed during testing.
- Dry Wear:
In Dry Wear, wear test is performed under dry condition. Friction coefficient is monitored and displayed during testing.