Tribological Characteristics of Imidazolium-based Room Temperature Ionic Liquids Under High Vacuum

Tribological characteristics of two imidazolium-based room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs), 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, and 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate were investigated under high vacuum conditions. Viscosity–temperature characteristics and thermogravimetric characteristics of these compounds were also investigated. Imidazolium-based RTILs have relatively good viscosity–temperature characteristics that are comparable to those of multiply-alkylated cyclopentane (MAC). Thermogravimetric results showed that ionic liquids have high thermal stability and low vapor pressure. Ionic liquids showed low friction and low wear rate under high vacuum conditions, and high load-carrying capacity was observed.     

Tribochemical Reactions of Ionic Liquids Under Vacuum Conditions

Ionic liquids are expected to function as novel lubricants owing to their attractive characteristics such as high thermal stability and low vapor pressure. In order for ionic liquids to be used as lubricants, knowledge of their corrosion and lubricating properties must be obtained. However, the reaction mechanism and decomposition of ionic liquids have not yet been sufficiently clarified. In this study, we elucidate the tribological properties and tribochemical reaction mechanism by analyzing outgassing generated by the decomposition or reaction of ionic liquids [EMIM][DCN], [EMIM][TCB], and [BMPL][TCB] on a sliding surface. From our results, [BMPL][TCB] showed the lowest friction coefficient and [EMIM][DCN] had a lower friction coefficient than [EMIM][TCB]. In all cases, outgassing from the ionic liquid was confirmed, and main outgassing products were derived from the cation. [BMPL][TCB] had the largest amount of outgassing. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy analysis showed that tribochemical reactions involving the anion occurred. From sliding tests and experimental analyses, it is revealed that the [DCN] anion showed superior lubricating properties to the [TCB] anion.     

Evaluation of Vapor Pressure and Ultra-High Vacuum Tribological Properties of Ionic Liquids

Ionic liquids are a class of salts that incorporate polyatomic anions and cations. These materials are typically viscous fluids at room temperature. The fluids are generally characterized as possessing negligible vapor pressures under ambient conditions. These beneficial properties have led us to study the effectiveness of ionic liquids containing both organic cations and anions for use as lubricants with space applications. This article presents vapor pressure measurements for four ionic liquids as well as friction coefficient data from a spiral orbit tribometer in the boundary lubrication regime under simulated space conditions using stainless steel tribocouples. In addition, we present the first tribological data on mixed ionic liquids and an ionic liquid additive. Postmortem infrared and Raman analyses of the balls and races indicates that the major degradation pathway for these organic ionic liquids is similar to those of other carbon-based liquid lubricants; that is, deterioration of the organic structure into amorphous graphitic carbon. The coefficients of friction and lifetimes of these lubricants are comparable to or better than those of several commonly used space oils.     

Lubrication of Steel/Steel Contacts by Choline Chloride Ionic Liquids

There is a growing interest in the use of ionic liquids to provide lubrication for challenging contacts. This study is an initial assessment of the application of two ionic liquids based on choline chloride cations to be used as ionic liquid lubricants for engineering contacts, in this case steel on steel. These ionic liquids, termed ethaline and reline, have anions of ethylene glycol and urea, respectively, and are available at relatively low costs and in high quantities. In order to assess the lubrication performance of the ionic liquids, lubricated reciprocating sliding wear tests were conducted between M2 tool steel samples and a steel stylus. Initial tests conducted at a sliding speed of 0.005 m s^?1 and 30 N showed that ionic liquids could provide low friction lubrication, comparable to that of SAE 5W30 friction modifier free engine oil under the same test conditions; however, lubrication was lost after short sliding distances. Further testing with higher sliding speed/lower load and varying sample surface textures showed that ionic liquid lubrication could be better maintained in high-speed/low-load testing and by increasing the roughness and therefore surface area of the sample. It was also observed that the choline chloride/urea ionic liquid formed a residual film when tested on iron silicate peened samples, and that this film may promote lubrication.     

A Review of Ionic Liquids for Green Molecular Lubrication in Nanotechnology

Common industrial lubricants include natural and synthetic hydrocarbons and perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs), where the latter is widely used in commercial applications requiring extreme operating conditions due to their high temperature stability and extremely low vapor pressure. However, PFPEs exhibit low electrical conductivity, making them undesirable in some nanotechnology applications. Ionic liquids (ILs) have been explored as lubricants for various device applications due to their excellent electrical conductivity as well as good thermal conductivity, where the latter allows frictional heating dissipation. Since they do not emit volatile organic compounds, they are regarded as “green” lubricants. In this article, we review the different types of ILs and their physical properties responsible for lubrication. We also discuss their suitability as lubricants, since the long-term performance of ILs as lubricants may be affected by issues such as corrosion, oxidation, tribochemical reactions, and toxicity. We present nanotribological, electrical, and spectroscopic studies of IL films along with conventional tribological investigations, recognizing that understanding the tribological performance at various length scales is a crucial step in selecting and designing effective lubricants.     

Chemisorption of Organic Compounds on a Clean Aluminum Surface Prepared by Cutting Under High Vacuum

The chemisorption of organic compounds as model compounds of lubrication additives has been studied at room temperature on a clean aluminum surface which was prepared by cutting under high-vacuum conditions. Hydrocarbons such as n-hexane, butene, and cyclohexene did not adsorb, but alkyl halides, organic acid, and alcohols adsorbed on the clean aluminum surface. The adsorption activity was monitored with a quadrupole mass spectrometer and was affected by cutting conditions. The rate of adsorption was proportional to the cutting speed. The chemisorption took place not only during but also after the cutting. From the kinetic considerations, it has been found that the activity was mainly due to the newly formed aluminum surface. The reactivity sequence of the organic compounds was as follows; alkyl halides > alcohols > organic acid >> alkane, alkene.     

Film Thickness of Ionic Liquids Under High Contact Pressures as a Function of Alkyl Chain Length

Ionic liquids are generally considered as environmentally friendly material. The film thicknesses of ionic liquids and silicone oils at high pressures up to 3 GPa are measured employing the relative optical interference intensity method. The results show that for the three ionic liquids the relative order of film thickness is 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([OMIM]PF₆) > 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([HMIM]PF₆) > 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM]PF₆). In elastohydrodynamic lubrication the order of viscosity can simply account for this fact. In thin film lubrication condition the length of alkyl side chain and arrangement manner of cation are used to explain the experimental results. Another remarkable phenomenon is that even though the viscosities of silicone oils are close to those of ionic liquids, the measured film thicknesses of silicone oils are quite less than those of the ionic liquids. The results show that long alkyl chain ionic liquid can form rather thick films at high pressure.     

Lubrication of DLC Coatings with Two Tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate Anion-Based Ionic Liquids

The lubrication of a Cr-DLC coating with ethyl-dimethyl-2-methoxyethylammonium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluoropho-sphate [(NEMM)MOE][FAP] and 1-butyl-1-methylpyrro-lidinium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate [BMP] [FAP] ionic liquids (ILs) as 1 wt% additives to a polyalphaolefin (PAO 6) was studied. Zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) was also used as reference in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the ILs. Reciprocating ball-on-plate tribological tests at loads of 20 and 40 N were performed. The results showed that both ILs exhibited a friction reduction, especially at the lowest load tested. Antiwear properties were also improved; the PAO 6 + 1% [BMP][FAP] mixture was slightly better, close to the values for PAO 6 + 1% ZDDP. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicated that the additive–surface interaction was responsible for the tribological improvement.     

Improved Tribological Behavior of DLC Films Under Water Lubrication by Surface Texturing

Textured diamond-like carbon (DLC) films with the pattern of parallel grooves were developed by depositing DLC on textured stainless substrates in a PVD system. The texturing effects on tribological performance of DLC in water-lubricated condition were investigated. Results show that introducing specific patterns into DLC film not only retains the low friction coefficients, but also dramatically extends coating lifetime through affecting the coating delamination behavior and graphitization process during friction. Besides the adherence difference induced by surface texturing which could influence the delamination, another possible mechanism, “buffer stripes”, which is characteristic of the lateral soft/hard periodical structure, was proposed by us based on the Micro-Raman spectroscopy and nanoindentation analysis. Additionally, a much lower graphitization for textured DLC during friction may also be responsible for the improved wear resistance.     

不同离子液体润滑条件下BCN薄膜摩擦学性能研究

利用中频磁控溅射技术,分别溅射硼靶和石墨靶,在单晶硅衬底上制备BCN薄膜;采用原子力显微镜(AFM)对薄膜的表面形貌进行分析;在1-正丁基-3-甲基咪唑四氟硼酸盐(L104)和1-正己基-3-乙基咪唑六氟磷酸盐(L-P206)离子液体润滑条件下,利用CSM摩擦磨损试验机考察BCN薄膜/钢球摩擦副的摩擦磨损性能;利用电化学腐蚀方法考察薄膜在离子液中的耐腐蚀性能.实验结果表明:所制备的BCN薄膜均匀、致密,表面粗糙度小;在离子液体润滑剂润滑下,BCN薄膜表现出良好的抗磨减摩性能和抗腐蚀性能;与L-P206离子液润滑剂相比,BCN薄膜在L104离子液体润滑剂润滑下的摩擦学性能更好,这可能与L104离子液体自身的分子结构及其腐蚀性弱有关.     

金属表面润滑膜形成的化学特性研究

金属表面形成的化学吸附膜的质量与诸多因素有关,其中影响最大的基本要素是水、氧化物,如何控制水和氧化物的含量、成分是化学吸附膜形成质量的保证。本文从金属及润滑油膜的化学特性角度出发,对其形成原理,与水、氧化物之间相互作用关系进行研究。同时论述了润滑油膜最有效的测定方法——表面电位测定法原理,对深入了解各种润滑油膜吸附机理提供理论参考。     

一种新型摩擦材料在水润滑下的摩擦学性能研究

采用环块式摩擦磨损实验研究了一种新型摩擦材料在水润滑状态下不同载荷与转速对试样摩擦学性能的影响,并对比干摩擦条件下的摩擦学性能变化,借助磨损表面形貌观察分析其磨损机理。实验结果表明:水润滑条件下,摩擦系数随着载荷的增大而减小,随着转速的提高先增加后减小;磨损率随着载荷与转速的提高都减小。相同载荷与转速下,干摩擦时磨损机理以磨粒磨损和黏着磨损为主,而水润滑条件下水形成边界润滑,磨损机理以磨粒磨损和轻微的黏着磨损为主;水润滑条件下摩擦系数和磨损率均低于干摩擦,主要是由于水起到了润滑和冷却的作用,阻止了转移膜的形成,并在材料表面形成水膜起到了边界润滑的作用。     

Boundary Lubrication Properties of Surface Modified Material Produced by Laser and Electron Beam Surface Alloying

The surface-modified material can be produced by laser and electron beam surface alloying of a plasma-sprayed molybdenum layer on Cr-Mo steel. The boundary lubrication properties and the metal structure of the surface alloy have been investigated. The main points of this study are as follows. 1. The surface alloy is thick, about 5 mm, and of uniform composition.

2. The surface alloy shows good wear resistance and good seizure resistance, in the same level as electroplated chromium and plasma-sprayed molybdenum layers.

3. Good wear resistance is attributable to the metal structure which is composed of hard M₆C phase and soft α?Fe phase.

     

Conductive and Tribological Properties of Lithium-Based Ionic Liquids as Grease Base Oil

This article reports several conductive greases prepared by ionic liquids (ILs) that are synthesized by mixing lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF₄) or lithium bis(trifluoromethane-sulfonyl) imide (LiNTf₂) in diglyme (G2) and tetraglyme (G4) with appropriate weight ratios at room temperature (RT). The ILs have good solution in poly(ethylene glycol-ran-propylene glycol) monobutyl ether (PAG) and thus can be used as a base oil for preparing grease for steel–steel contacts. The electrical conductive properties of the grease prepared with the mixed oil of PAG plus ILs were evaluated using the DDSJ-308A conductivity tester, GEST-121 volume surface resistance tester, and HLY-200A circuit resistance tester. Combining the free volume with viscosity, the conductivity is inversely proportional to viscosity. The tribological properties were investigated using an MFT-R4000 reciprocating friction and wear tester. The results demonstrated that the prepared greases possess better conductive and tribological properties than the commercial grease with Cu powder as an additive.     

Surface Engineering Design of Alumina/Molybdenum Fibrous Monolithic Ceramic to Achieve Excellent Lubrication in a High Vacuum Environment

Al₂O₃/Mo fibrous monolithic ceramics are potential candidates for space applications because of their excellent mechanical properties and low density. This study aims at achieving low friction and long life of this material in a high vacuum environment. Three-dimensional composite-lubricating layers were fabricated by considering texture pattern as storage dimples and MoS₂ synthesized via hydrothermal method as lubricant. The tribological properties were studied sliding against Si₃N₄ ceramic and GCr15 bearing steel balls under high vacuum condition. Results showed that the lubricating properties of the Al₂O₃/Mo fibrous monolithic ceramics were improved greatly by the micro-texture and MoS₂ solid lubricant; the friction coefficients were as low as approximately 0.08 and 0.04, respectively, when Si₃N₄ ceramic and GCr15 bearing steel balls acted as the pairing materials. It was also demonstrated that the low friction coefficient can be realized with various normal loads and sliding speeds, indicating the composite-lubricating layers have good adaptation of working conditions. This excellent performance of the material is mainly because of MoS₂ stored in dimples can be easily dragged onto the friction surface to form lubricating and transferring films during the friction process. This work is an extension of studies that were previously published in Tribology Letters journal.     

Experimental Investigation of Lubrication Properties at High Contact Pressure

A new test rig with an ability to obtain clear interference images at high pressure contacts has been developed. The technique of relative optical interference intensity has been used to obtain film thickness profiles and then lubrication properties of some base oils including six kinds of polyalphaolefin and four kinds of silicone oil have been studied at different pressures ranging from 1 to 3 GPa. The results show that viscosities of these lubricants have notable effect on slopes of film thickness curves (speed versus film thickness in log–log form), and the observed phenomenon is attributed to fluidity and molecular structure. A comparison of experimental central film thicknesses with computational work shows that at high loads the relationship between load and film thickness usually go against prediction given by Hamrock and Dowson. In addition, when more pressure is applied, the profiles of film thickness become more and more flat while rolling speed do little to change the shape of profiles.     

Triboemission of Electrons and Ions During Wear of Solids Under Boundary Lubrication with Saturated Hydrocarbon Liquids

The triboemission behavior of charged particles was measured under boundary lubrication of saturated hydrocarbon liquids during scratching of various solids by a diamond stylus. The solids tested were the metals Cu, Al and Fe, ceramics Si, ZrO₂, Si₃N₄, Al₂O₃, soda lime glass and mica, polymers of 6, 6-nylon and PTFE. Saturated hydrocarbons of n-hexane, n-undecane and n-hexadecane were used as lubricating oils.

Triboemission occurred in bursts and ceased abruptly as scratching was started and stopped. The emission intensity of the charged particles depended closely on the kinds of solids, especially on their insulating properties, with an increase of emission intensity in the order of conductor < semiconductor < insulator. The emission intensity decreased as the hardness of the solids increased. These emission characteristics under the boundary lubrication condition are principally the same as in dry friction under ambient conditions.     

激光微织构表面脂润滑性能试验研究

采用声光调 Q 二极管泵浦固体光源（DPSS）Nd∶YAG 激光器,在45＃钢试样表面进行激光微织构加工,采用 VYKO-NT1100三维形貌分析仪对微观织构形貌进行测量。以二硫化钼润滑脂为润滑剂,在 MMW-1A 型摩擦磨损试验机上进行微织构试样和光滑试样在不同工况条件下的摩擦性能对比试验。试验结果表明,在一定条件下,面积占有率为14％的微凹腔织构表面的脂润滑性能明显优于未织构光滑表面,且随着微凹腔面积占有率的增大,摩擦因数波动范围变小;凹槽织构表面较未织构光滑表面具有更好的润滑稳定性;在脂润滑条件下,激光微织构表面较未织构光滑表面摩擦因数最大可降低26％。     

边界和混合润滑下仿鲨鱼皮织构的减摩性能

鲨鱼皮体表的盾鳞结构上呈现细小的肋条,形成了一种非光滑表面的沟槽,并具有明显的减阻效果。探究盾鳞结构的表面特征,将其应用到机械表面摩擦中达到减摩效果。根据肋条曲线拟来进行拟合,重新构建仿鲨鱼皮织构表面模型,并在45钢表面制备出织构化的试样;之后采用MM-P2摩擦磨损试验机,考察织构化对光滑表面摩擦性能的影响;研究结果明:200N载荷条件下,凸起型织构的45钢表面,相比未织构表面,仿鲨鱼皮织构面的摩擦系数在边界润滑和混合润滑下分别降低9.52%和11.06%。     

微型机械的摩擦学特性及其表面润滑技术的研究

综述了微型机械的摩擦学特性,阐述了微型机械中摩擦学问题研究的重要性,分析了影响微摩擦力的关键因素。基于目前国内外对微型机械表面润滑问题的研究现状,探讨了LB膜、自组装膜和分子沉积膜各自的特点及其在微型机械表面润滑领域的应用进展,对它们性能的优缺点进行了比较,并提出降低微型机械的表面能是减轻微摩擦磨损的有效措施。