Friction and Wear Reduction Mechanism of Polyalkylene Glycol-Based Engine Oils

Polyalkylene glycols (PAG) have been explored as a possible base stock for engine oil formulation. The friction, wear, and load-carrying capacity of five different PAG chemistries were evaluated either as a base stock or as formulated oils in pure sliding and sliding-rolling conditions using various laboratory bench test rigs operating under boundary and mixed lubrication regimes. The results were compared against GF-5 SAE 5W-20 and a mineral-based oil. The wear surfaces were also characterized using various surface-sensitive techniques for analysis of tribofilms to understand the mechanism of friction reduction. The results indicated that PAG oils show lower friction/traction coefficients and improved load-carrying capability, depending on the formulation, than those of the GF-5 SAE 5W-20 and mineral-based oil. The adsorption of PAG molecules on the surface appeared to be responsible for the lower friction characteristics.     

弹性金属塑料复合材料的摩擦磨损特性研究

在MPX-2000摩擦磨损试验机上，用环盘摩擦副，结合扫描电镜分别评价了弹性金属塑料（EMP）复合材料与钢在油润滑和干摩擦条件下的摩擦磨损特性。结果表明：两种试验条件下，相同滑动速度的摩擦系数随载荷的升高而减小，当载荷为2000N，滑动速度小于3.52m/s时，摩擦系数基于趋于稳定，EMP磨损率随滑动速度和载荷的升高耐增加，但不同试验条件的增幅不高，油润滑下滑动速度小于3.52m/s和干摩擦条件下滑动速度小于1.96m/s时，EMP以微切削，塑性变形和梨沟磨损为主，并在摩擦副两表面形成转移物。     

Friction and wear of aluminium–steel contacts lubricated with ordered fluids-neutral and ionic liquid crystals as oil additives

Friction and wear of ASTM B211 aluminium–AISI 52100 steel contacts have been determined using pin-on-disk tests under variable conditions of normal applied load, sliding speed and temperature, in the presence of a lubricating base oil modified with a 1 wt.% proportion of three different liquid crystalline additives.The tribological behavior of the ionic liquid crystal n-dodecylammonium chloride (LC3) has been compared with that of two neutral liquid crystals: a non-polar species, 4,4′-dibutylazobenzene (LC1) which had previously shown its ability to lower friction and wear of metallic pairs as compared to the base oil, and a cholesterol derivative, cholesteryl linoleate (LC2).At low temperature and low sliding speed values, the friction coefficients obtained for LC1 are lower than those of LC3. As the severity of the contact conditions increases, this tendency reverses and the ionic species LC2 gives rise to lower friction values than LC1.Wear volume losses under increasing normal loads, between 2.45 and 5.89 N, are always lower in the presence of the ionic additive LC3.Lubrication and wear mechanisms are discussed from optical microscopy and SEM observation of the wear scars and wear debris morphology.     

New field and engine test data to demonstrate the wear protection benefits of a unique boundary chemistry (UBC)

The wear protection performance of unique boundary chemistry (UBC), both while in the engine and after removal, was tested with reference to commercial API SG, API SH/ILSAC GF-1, and API SJ/ILSAC GF-2 quality oils in two 80,450 km field tests, in modified and standard sequence tests, and in radiotracer engine studies. The radiotracer tests of UBC added to an API SJ/ILSAC GF-2 quality oil replicated previously published results of wear reductions achieved in a comparison of an API SH/ILSAC GF-1 oil with and without UBC. In extended Sequence IIIE runs, two engines, each lubricated with the same API SH/ILSAC GF-1 oil, were unable to complete the tests as a result of excessive oil consumption due to hot stuck rings. In contrast, two Sequence IIIE engines lubricated with the same API SH/ILSAC GF-1 oil treated with UBC completed the extended test without incident, even though the UBC-treated API SH/ILSAC GF-1 oil replaced the API SH/ILSAC GF-1 oil for the first oil drain interval only. A fully formulated SAE 5W–30 oil, which contained a full complement of UBC (20%), met all the requirements of API SH/ILSAC GF-1 quality and gave very low average and maximum cam and cam plus lifter wear on standard ASTM Sequence VE and IIIE tests. The same API SH/ILSAC GF-1 oil without UBC gave somewhat higher wear on both tests, but both oils met API SH/ILSAC GF-1 requirements. Wear metals analysis of a field test of 36 taxicabs, which compared an API SJ/ILSAC GF-2 quality oil to the same oil treated with UBC for the first drain interval, and also to a UBC-treated oil at every oil change, showed a reduction in the rate of used oil Fe accumulation for both methods of UBC treatment. This test also revealed a striking impact on Fe levels from Si found in used oil samples during an episode of Si contamination in local gasoline supplies. Finally, in a field test of 10 taxicabs, with parts measured before and after testing, wear reductions were observed in rings and bearings in UBC-treated cabs compared to those with API SG oil alone.     

Modeling and microstructural modification of alumina ceramic for improved tribological properties

Very simplified models were deduced for identifying important factors influencing friction and wear of ceramics in unlubricated sliding contact. Based on the theoretical predictions, laser surface alloying was used for modifying alumina ceramic by adding hafnia. Tribological tests were run on the modified ceramic, monolithic alumina and two different cutting ceramics on the base of alumina under conditions of unlubricated reciprocating sliding motion against Al₂O₃ balls. The friction coefficient and linear wear of the sliding pairs were substantially reduced and the transition from mild to severe wear shifted to higher applied surface pressure for the microstructurally modified ceramic compared with the monolithic alumina or the cutting ceramics, respectively.     

Tribological Properties of Organic Functionalized ZrB<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/Epoxy Composites

The tribological behaviors of epoxy composites filled with organic functionalized ZrB₂–Al₂O₃ were environmentally investigated and compared with those with as-received fillers under both dry and oil sliding conditions in this work. The worn surfaces and the transfer films on the counterparts were characterized by scanning electronic microscope (SEM), and the frictional temperature rising was investigated by infrared thermometer. The results demonstrated that the coefficient of friction (CoF), the wear rate, as well as the frictional temperature rise of the epoxy composites were all decreased due to the introduction of ZrB₂–Al₂O₃ fillers. And with the increase in filler content, similar variation tendencies of CoF and wear rate of epoxy composites were observed under the different sliding conditions. Besides, the organic functionalization of ZrB₂–Al₂O₃ fillers, which made the epoxy composites exhibit lower CoF and wear rate than those with as-received fillers, lowered the frictional temperature as well. In comparison, the epoxy composites filled with 5 vol% modified fillers presented better tribological properties, suggesting a stronger interfacial bonding between modified fillers and epoxy matrix. The dominant wear mechanisms of filled composites under dry and oil sliding conditions could be inferred as the combination of adhesive wear and abrasive wear and the fatigue wear, respectively, on the basis of SEM images of worn surfaces.     

High-Temperature Friction and Wear of Boron Steel and Tool Steel in Open and Closed Tribosystems

More and more components in automotive, material processing, and mining industries are operating under harsh conditions involving high temperatures and high contact pressures. Tribotesting for such applications is done using both open (one surface meeting a fresh countersurface) and closed (one surface follows the same track on the countersurface) test configurations. In order to enable development of new materials and processes intended for such conditions, there is a need for better understanding pertaining to tribological phenomena occurring under these different test configurations.

In this work, friction and wear characteristics of quenched and tempered tool steel sliding against boron steel (22MnB5) have been studied. The experiments were conducted using a specially designed hot strip tribometer (HST) under dry conditions at room temperature and 400°C in open as well as closed configurations. Scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray techniques were carried out to analyze the worn surfaces. Additionally, the results from the closed test configuration were compared to previous tests carried out with the same materials and parameters using a pin-on-disk (POD) test rig. The results have shown that wear was reduced at higher temperatures as well as with repeated sliding on the same contacting surfaces (i.e., closed configuration) compared to those with an open configuration. A good correlation of wear mechanisms and coefficient of friction between closed configuration tests and those carried out with the POD test rig were observed especially at 400°C.     

The effect of an alumina counterface on friction reduction of CuO/3Y-TZP composite at room temperature

The friction behavior of CuO/yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia (3Y-TZP) composite in dry sliding against alumina at room temperature has been investigated. The results show that an alumina counterface has a crucial role on the frictional behavior when sliding against CuO/3Y-TZP composite in comparison with other counter materials. Pure 3Y-TZP shows high friction and wear under the same conditions. It is found that the friction reduction behavior is dependent on the sliding test conditions such as load and humidity. A thin aluminum-rich layer less than 200 nm thick on the contact surface during the low friction situation has been found by various analyzing techniques including interference microscopy, micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microcopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The induced change of contact conditions and interfacial chemical reaction between CuO and alumina to form the phase CuAlO₂ increase the wear of alumina and accelerates the formation of an aluminum-rich surface layer. The presence of such a layer in the contact is beneficial for reducing friction. After a certain sliding distance, the coefficient of friction shifts from a low value to a high value due to a change in the dominating wear mechanism. This transition is shown to be caused by a different composition and thickness of the interfacial layer.     

Effect of rubber on tribological behaviors of polyamide 66 under dry and water lubricated sliding

The friction and wear behaviors of polyamide 66 (PA 66) and rubber-filled PA 66 (PA 66/SEBS-g-MA) composites were investigated on a block-on-wheel model friction and wear tester under dry sliding and water lubricating conditions. In order to further understand the wear mechanisms, the worn surfaces and scraps of samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The experimental results indicated that the wear mass loss and the friction coefficient of PA 66 decreased with the addition of rubber particles. The friction coefficients of PA 66 and PA 66/SEBS-g-MA composites under water lubricating condition are lower than those under dry sliding condition, but the wear mass losses are higher than those under dry sliding condition. The main wear mechanisms under dry sliding condition are the plastic deformation and mechanical microploughing. Whereas the main wear mechanisms under water lubricating condition are the mechanical microploughing and abrasive wear.     

Comparative study of micro- and nano-ZnO reinforced UHMWPE composites under dry sliding wear

This is a comparative study between ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) reinforced with micro-zinc oxide (ZnO) and nano-ZnO under different filler loads. These composites were subjected to dry sliding wear test under abrasive conditions. The micro- and nano-ZnO/UHMWPE composites were prepared by using a hot compression mould. The wear and friction behaviours were monitored using a pin-on-disc (POD) test rig. The pin-shaped samples were slid against 400 grit SiC abrasive papers, which were pasted, on the stainless steel disc under dry sliding conditions. The worn surfaces and transfer film formed were observed under the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Experimental results showed that UHMWPE reinforced with micro- and nano-ZnO would improve the wear behaviour. The average coefficient of friction (COF) for both micro- and nano-ZnO/UHMWPE composites were comparable to pure UHMWPE. The weight loss due to wear for nano-ZnO/UHMWPE composites are lower compared to micro-ZnO/UHMWPE and pure UHMWPE. The optimum filler loading of nano-ZnO/UHMWPE composites is found to be at 10 wt%. The worn surface of ZnO/UHMWPE composites shows the wear mechanisms of abrasive and adhesive wear. Upon reinforcement with micro- and nano-ZnO, the abrasive and adhesive wear of worn surfaces transited from rough to smooth.     

氧化铝陶瓷在腐蚀环境下的摩擦磨损性能

研究了氧化铝陶瓷在HCl溶液、NaOH溶液和去离子水3种润滑介质下的摩擦磨损性能,获得其在不同滑动速度下的摩擦因数、磨损体积和表面形貌。结果表明:酸性环境抑制了硅和铝的氢氧化物膜的产生,导致在HCl溶液润滑下摩擦副的摩擦因数高,氧化铝陶瓷表面磨损严重;以NaOH溶液为润滑介质时摩擦副的摩擦表面成膜度最高,摩擦因数最低,但腐蚀环境仍对其存在负面影响,导致氧化铝陶瓷表面磨损体积和磨损程度均高于以去离子水为润滑介质的情况。同时,在本试验所选的3种速度中,当摩擦副以0.08 m/s的滑动速度摩擦时摩擦因数和磨损体积均达到最小值,润滑效果最好。     

Wear Characteristics of Traditional Manganese Phosphate and Composite hBN Coatings

In this study, the tribological properties of traditional manganese phosphate coatings and composite hBN coatings

composed of nano-hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) in layered manganese phosphate crystals on AISI 1040 steel were investigated. Wear tests were carried out under controlled temperature and humidity using ball-on-disc tribometers for samples that were either submerged in oil or retaining oil on their surfaces at a sliding speed of 2.5 cm/s with loads of 1, 3, 5, and 10 N and sliding distances of 40, 80, 100, and 120 m. The surface profiles before and after the tests were used to characterize the wear. The surfaces of the coated samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The coefficients of friction and wear rates of the coated samples were also measured. The average wear rates of the composite hBN-coated samples were significantly lower than those of the traditional manganese phosphate–coated samples for each of the loading conditions for the oil submersion and retained oil tests. The coefficient of friction (COF) values for the traditional manganese phosphate–coated samples did not change significantly with increasing load. The COF values for the composite hBN coated–samples decreased with increasing load in the oil submersion test.     

Ultra-High Tribological Performance of Magnetron Sputtered a-C:H Films in Sand-Dust Environment

The hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) films were prepared on AISI 440C steel substrates using a RF magnetron sputtering graphite target in the CH₄ and Ar mixture atmosphere. The friction and wear behavior of a-C:H films were comparatively investigated by pin-on-disc tester under dry sliding and simulated sand-dust wear conditions. In addition, the effects of applied load, amount of sand and sand particle sizes on the tribological performance of a-C:H films were systemically studied. Results show that a-C:H films exhibited ultra-high tribological performance with low friction coefficient and ultra-low wear rate under sand-dust environments. It is very interesting to observe that the friction coefficient of a-C:H film under sand-dust conditions was relatively lower when compared with dry sliding condition, and the wear rate under sand-dust conditions kept at the same order of magnitude (×10⁻¹⁹ m³/N m) with the increase of applied load and particle size as a comparison with the dry sliding condition. Based on the formation of “ridge” layer (composite transfer layer), a transfer layer-hardening composite model was established to explain the anti-wear mechanisms and friction-reducing capacity of a-C:H solid lubrication films under sand-dust conditions.     

Effect of Blowing Air and Floating Sand-dust Particles on the Friction and Wear Behavior of PTFE, UHMWPE and PI

The friction and wear behaviors of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and polyimide (PI) have been comparatively evaluated under dry sliding, blowing air, and simulated sand-dust conditions. The tribological tests were conducted on an improved block-on-ring test rig equipped with an attachment for simulating the sand-dust environment. The reason for the difference in the tribological behavior of these polymers under the three test conditions was also comparatively discussed, based on scanning electron microscopic examination of the worn polymer specimens and counterfaces. Under blowing air conditions, the decrease of the contact temperature produced by blowing air led to the increase in the shearing strength of the sliding surface when compared with dry sliding conditions and hence to cause an increase in the friction coefficient and a remarkable decrease in the wear rate of PTFE and UHMWPE. On the contrary, blowing air produced a decrease in the friction coefficient of PI because of the formation of transfer film on the counterfaces, and an increase in the wear rate, because the blowing air considerably promoted the transfer of PI onto the counterfaces when compared with dry sliding conditions. Both PTFE and UHMWPE registered the lowest wear rate under sand-dust conditions, owing to the tribolayer formation on the worn surfaces, while PI exhibited the highest wear rate because no tribolayer was formed during the abrasive wear process.     

Friction and wear properties of duplex MAO/CrN coatings sliding against Si3N4 ceramic balls in air, water and oil

It is evident that the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) ceramic coatings often exhibit relatively high friction coefficients as sliding against many mating materials. To reduce the friction coefficient for the MAO coatings, the duplex MAO/CrN coatings were deposited on 2024Al alloy using combined micro-arc oxidation and reactive radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The microstructure and phase of the duplex coatings were observed and determined using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The friction and wear behaviors of the duplex coatings sliding against Si₃N₄ balls in air, water and oil were investigated using a ball-on-disk tribometer. The wear rate of the duplex coating was determined by non-contact optical profilometer and the wear tracks on the duplex coatings were observed by SEM. The results showed the CrN coatings mainly consisted of Cr, CrN and Cr₂N phases. The duplex coatings/Si₃N₄ tribopair exhibited the highest friction coefficient in air, while displayed the lowest friction coefficient in oil. When the normal load and the sliding speed increased, the friction coefficient in air increased from 0.65 to 0.72, whereas decreased from 0.58 to 0.36 in water and 0.20 to 0.08 in oil. The specific wear rates for the duplex coatings in air were higher than those in oil. In comparison to the MAO coatings, the duplex MAO/CrN coatings displayed excellent tribological properties under the same conditions.     

High temperature tribology of ceramics

The friction and wear behaviour of self-mated couples of MgO---ZrO₂, Al₂O₃ and two types of SiSiC were studied under dry sliding conditions in a special pin-on-disc high temperature tribometer. The temperature was varied between 25 and 1000°C, and the sliding speed from 0.03 m s⁻¹ to 3 m s⁻¹. The morphology of the worn surfaces was studied by means of SEM, and their phase distribution by X-ray diffraction and TEM analyses. The results show that the wear coefficients of all couples mostly increase with increasing temperature and sliding velocity. The wear of MgO---ZrO₂ is influenced by tribo-induced phase transformations while α-Al₂O₃ retains its original structure for all test conditions. For SiSiC delamination and fatigue of the interface Si/ß-SiC predominate. At higher temperatures and sliding velocities tribo-oxidation is effective. The friction coefficients lie between 0.5 and 1.0 under steady-state conditions but for short test durations lower values can occur. The couple SiSiC/SiSiC has low friction coefficients at low sliding velocities and temperatures, even if the steady-state region is reached.     

Effect of molybdenum disulphide upon the friction and wear in ceramic–steel pair

Friction and wear tests between a stationary block and a rotating ring under lubrication with molybdenum disulphide (MoS₂) were carried out at room temperature at a sliding distance of 500 m. Silicon nitride and cemented carbide blocks were pressed against a bearing steel ring, silicon nitride-bearing steel and cemented carbide-bearing steel pairs, by a load of 1600 N. The effect of molybdenum disulphide upon the coefficient of friction and the wear of the steel ring was discussed for both pairs in comparison with mineral oil lubricants. Molybdenum disulphide was more effective in reducing the coefficient of friction and the wear of the ring than the oil lubricants. Various mechanical pretreatment for forming MoS₂ film on the ring surface prior to the sliding tests were also considered. The mechanical pretreatment enabled the sliding test with the low friction coefficient even without lubrication over the sliding distance of 500 m. In general, the coefficient of friction and wear loss of the steel ring were smaller in the silicon nitride-bearing steel pair than in the cemented carbide-bearing steel pair.     

Investigation of Tribological Properties of PI/FEP Laminated Composites Under Dry Sliding, Water- and Oil-Lubricated Conditions

Polyimide/fluorinated ethylene propylene (PI/FEP) laminated composites were fabricated by means of hot-press molding. The friction and wear behavior of high performance PI/FEP laminated composites has been comparatively evaluated under dry sliding, water- and oil-lubricated conditions. The worn surface morphologies of samples under different lubrication conditions were examined by scanning electron microscope and the wear mechanisms were comparatively discussed. As the results, PI/FEP laminated composites sliding against stainless steel under water lubrication registered lower friction coefficients, but higher wear rates than those under dry sliding. The friction coefficients and wear rates of samples under liquid paraffin-lubricated condition were lowest in three sliding conditions. The lateral surface of samples exhibited better wear resistance than parallel surface did under dry sliding.     

摩擦化学反应对发动机油润滑耐久性能的影响

利用SRV高温摩擦磨损试验机比较了两种分别属于GF-2和GF-3等级，含有MoDTC摩擦改进剂的发动机油的耐久性。结果表明，由于GF-3等级发动机油能使活塞环和缸套试样表面更加平整光滑，且由于Ca清静剂与MoDTC／ZDTP的协同作用，通过摩擦化学反应，在摩擦表面形成良好的摩擦反应膜，从而使它拥有更好的润滑耐久性能。     

Effect of lubricants on the friction and wear of Al2O3 against gray cast iron

The tribological behavior of ceramic Al₂O₃ coupled with gray cast iron (PHT) with different lubricants was investigated using a ring-on-block wear tester. In the wear test, air, distilled water, emulsion and oil were used as lubricants respectively in order to check the lubricating effectiveness of lubricants and the friction mechanism of solid graphite in the cast iron. Wear testing of 0.8% C steel (T8) sliding with Al₂O₃ was also carried out to compare with the test using gray cast iron. From these data the tribological behavior of graphite in the iron can be evaluated. The results show that the friction and wear of tested couples are decreased using different lubricants in the following order: air, distilled water, emulsion and oil. When lubricating with air and water, graphite in the iron as solid lubricant can decrease the friction and wear of the couples. However, when lubricating with emulsion and oil, graphite does not show the advantage of decreasing friction and wear.