Tribological properties of some water-based lubricants containing polyethylene glycol under boundary lubrication conditions

The metal-working industry is increasingly interested in synthetic metalworking fluids and coolants. The excellent lubricating properties of polyalkylene glycols have been recognised in areas such as gear lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and compressor lubricants. The main purpose of the present work was to investigate the friction and wear properties of several polyethylene glycols and their synergy with a common water-soluble EP additive, using four-ball and ball-on-plate tribometers.