Can extreme pressure fuse steel in presence of silicon spray?

Question

On a detachable link for anchor chain, I believe that I have heard that the extreme pressure developed when driving the slightly tapered locking pin can cause a recrystallization of the steel parts into silicon steel when silicone spray is used. White grease is recommended, plus an annual disassembly and regrease. Materials engineers to the rescue?

Answer 1

Technically, yes. In the 1960's, G.E. researchers applied extreme pressure to pure carbon. The end result was the first man-made diamond.

Extreme pressure causes a lot of heat to build up. Silicon spray is easily burned off with heat. However, since the silicone is only applied as a spray, it only leaves a thin film. There isn't enough silicon in the silicone spray to make much of a difference to the steel. Most silicone spray does not contain a lot of silicon. Usually less than 10% of silicone spray is DIMETHYL SILICONE (Polydimethylsiloxane Silicone ), and only a fraction of that compound is actual silicon (list of ingredients of one silicone spray
([(CH3)2SiO] ) : http://www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/safety/MSDS/KRYLON%20SILICONE%20SPRAY%20AEROSOL.htm )

You mentioned "White grease". White grease is lithium grease and it can handle much higher temperatures than both regular grease and silicone.

Answer 2

See the following web site for a definition of some of the major Solid State Welding processes:

http://www.key-to-metals.com/Article51.htm