| Abstract: | Tribological properties of 150SN mineral oil and lubricating oils containing triethanolamine borate (TBE) with and without electromagnetic field impact were evaluated on a modified four-ball tribo-tester. The characteristics of the worn surfaces were observed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Moreover, the tribological mechanisms are discussed from the viewpoint of physical effect and chemical effect. The results indicated that the friction coefficients and wear scar diameters (WSDs) lubricated by 150SN mineral oil under electromagnetic field were higher than those without electromagnetism impact. The WSDs of steel balls lubricated by TBE-doped oils under electromagnetic field were smaller than those obtained from non-electromagnetic field, but the friction coefficients were higher than those under non-electromagnetic field. A protective coating consists of wear particles could be formed on the frictional surface due to the physical effect of electromagnetic field on wear debris. The electromagnetic field could facilitate the interaction of elemental boron and nitrogen in TBE with metal interfaces, and contributes to forming tribo-chemical reaction film to reduce friction and wear. |
