Friction components of phosphate glass/CeO2 pair in humid air were quantified to understand the friction mechanism.
Severe nanoscale wear was directly observed by AFM topography on both phosphate glass and CeO2 particle in humid air.
The wearless behaviors of phosphate glass in vacuum were confirmed by the AFM phase image.
Capillary water bridge induced corrosion plays an important role in the mechanochemical wear of phosphate glass in air.