Application examples of steel oxide film
Iron oxide films have a wide range of applications in the industrial field. Formed on the surface of steel through chemical or electrochemical methods, these films can effectively improve the corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and decorative properties of steel, playing a key role in different scenarios. In the machinery manufacturing industry, many precision parts such as bearings, gears, and bolts are often oxidized. The resulting oxide film not only prevents rust during storage and transportation, but also reduces friction and wear during assembly, improving fit accuracy. For example, after the transmission gears in machine tools are oxidized, the blue-black oxide film formed on the surface can reduce noise and wear during gear meshing, extending the service life.
The automotive industry is a key area for the application of steel oxide films. Many steel components in automotive chassis, such as drive shafts and suspension components, are treated with an oxidation treatment to form a dense oxide film that protects against corrosive media such as road mud, salt, and other corrosive media. For example, untreated bolts are prone to rusting in humid environments, affecting joint strength. However, the oxide film on oxidized bolts effectively isolates moisture and oxygen, ensuring optimal performance throughout the vehicle’s service life. Furthermore, the oxide film on some steel components within automotive engines, such as valve springs and piston pins, also provides a lubricating effect, reducing wear in high-temperature and high-pressure environments.
In the hardware and tool industries, the use of steel oxide films is particularly common. Common hand tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers are oxidized to form a black or blue oxide film, which not only looks beautiful but also prevents rust during use, improving the durability of the tools. For example, the oxide film on the surface of needle-nose pliers used by electricians can resist corrosion from hand sweat, preventing rust from affecting the tool’s conductivity. The high hardness of the oxide film also reduces wear when the tool contacts the workpiece. Furthermore, the steel frames of some metal furniture are oxidized before painting to strengthen the adhesion between the coating and the substrate, making the surface coating less likely to fall off, thereby improving the appearance quality and service life.
Iron oxide films also have important military applications. Steel components used in weapons and equipment, such as guns and artillery shells, require excellent corrosion and wear resistance to withstand the complex battlefield environment. The oxide film formed through oxidation protects weapon components from corrosion in humid, dusty environments, and other environments, ensuring weapon reliability. For example, the oxide film formed on the surface of a rifle barrel and receiver after oxidation prevents corrosion from gunpowder residue and reduces friction between components, ensuring the accuracy and service life of the gun.
In the petrochemical industry, steel equipment such as pipelines and valves are often exposed to high temperatures, high pressures, and highly corrosive environments, where oxide films provide effective protection. For example, the oxide film formed on the inner walls of crude oil pipelines after oxidation treatment can reduce corrosion from sulfur compounds in the crude oil, reducing the risk of pipeline leaks. Furthermore, the smooth surface of the oxide film reduces the flow resistance of the crude oil within the pipeline, improving transportation efficiency. Furthermore, the oxide film on the steel inner walls of some reactors prevents direct contact between the reaction medium and the steel substrate, preventing damage to the equipment caused by chemical reactions.
