The interaction between a machined surface and an abrasive material was analyzed in the framework of concepts of electron exchange between their atoms. Using as examples several combinations of two solids in contact, it was shown that the extent of interaction between them is lowest when the electron exchange does not lead to the formation of energetically stable states by the interacting atoms and when the majority of nonlocalized electrons remains in a free state and forms a specific “electron lubricant” which prevents interaction. The results of this analysis were verified on the example of the selection of abrasive materials for grinding titanium alloys.

During the electrospark processing of cermets based on chromium carbide, the surface layer is impoverished with respect to the more fusible metallic bond. The degree of such impoverishment is determined by the process cycle and the composition of the interelectrode medium.

It was established that when oxidation of porous sintered materials takes place during machining, the wear of cutting tools involves not only adhesion, diffusion and fatigue phenomena but also abrasive wear by hard oxide particles.

The authors have determined the grinding time of the initial synthesized powders of refractory compounds so as to increase the yield of fine fractions during grading.

More substantial changes in the physicomechanical properties of the surface layer occurred during grinding of porous quenched cermet materials than during grinding of cast metals and alloys. This is due to the presence of regulable porosity and the concomitant reduced thermal conductivity of the material.

The use of high melting point compounds in the electrospark hard facing of steels considerably increases their resistance to abrasive wear.

A description is given of a new universal apparatus for investigating friction characteristics of solid lubricants at various temperatures, in vacuum or in gaseous atmospheres. Data are reported on the variation in the friction coefficient of a friction pair iron-copper depending on the lubricant composition (MoSe2, WSe2, MoS2), normal pressure and degree of vacuum in the working chamber.

A study was made of the influence of temperature and environment of the coefficients of friction of natural molybdenum disulfide and synthesized molybdenum, tungsten, and niobium diselenides.

The kinetics is investigated of the comminution (in the course of polishing) of grains of refractory-compound (TiC, ZrC, TiB2, and W2B5) micropowders obtained by thermochemical synthesis and by crushing hot-pressed compacts. The causes of the superior polishing performance of the synthesized micropowders compared with that of the micropowders obtained by compact crushing are established.

A study was made of the influence of temperature and environment on the coefficients of friction of natural MoS2 and synthesized MoS2 and WS2.