rate of growth of "protective" films of oxides and compounds derived from the lubricant. The protection afforded by the films is strongly dependent on lubricant and steel composition, initial composite surface roughness and the load/speed sequence or history in the early stages of sliding. The protective films, formed by chemical and mechanical action between lubricant and mating surfaces, delayed the surface roughening and offered higher load capacity. Given the great number of variables involved it is not possible to follow more than a few of the chemical changes on surfaces at the end of experiments. Ellipsometry was therefore used to monitor the formation and loss of dual protective films in real time, and also to find the effect of protective films on scuffing and break-in depending on lubricant conditions.