Formation of a protective film on a copper friction surface in the presence of fullerene C[sub 60].

The influence of C[sub 60] additive in industrial oil on the structure of the friction surface of copper foil in a steel-copper sliding friction pair is investigated by wide-angle x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and hardness testing. The presence of C[sub 60] in the lubricant leads to the formation of a thin film (of thickness < 1000 Å) on the friction surface of the copper, where it protects the surface layers of the latter against major structural changes and helps to improve the tribological characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]