Boundary lubrication: This type of lubrication is done when a continuous fluid film of lubricant cannot persist & direct metal to metal contact is possible due to certain reasons. This happens when i) a shaft starts moving from rest or ii) the speed is very low or iii) the load is very high or iv) The viscosity of oil is too low. ii) Under such conditions, the space between the moving parts is lubricated with a thin layer of oil lubricant. The oil is adsorbed by physical or chemical forces or both on the metallic surfaces. iii) The adsorbed layers cannot get removed easily & thus avoids direct metal to metal contact. The load is carried by the layers of the adsorbed lubricant on the metallic surfaces. iv) The property which is responsible for this kind of adsorption is “Oiliness.”
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