The subject of research is the surface layer of highly loaded parts, friction units of mining machines and equipment. The article presents a theoretical analysis of the factors that determine the ability of the material of the surface layer of parts to accumulate energy in the process of plastic deformation. It is suggested that the activation character of the accumulation of energy by metals. Based on the theory of diffusion, it was shown that the mobility of atoms, as well as the accumulated energy, are determined by the ratio of the test temperature to the melting temperature.