Evolution of ZDDP-derived reaction layer morphology with rubbing time

Functional additives, particularly extreme pressure and antiwear additives, in formulated oil will compete to adsorb and function in tribological contacts. A low-polarity commercial base oil, poly-α-olefin (PAO), blended with zinc dialkyl dithiophosphates (ZDDP) has been studied. The tribological performance was evaluated using a ball-on-disk test rig under mixed rolling-sliding conditions in the boundary lubrication regime at 90°C. An adapted in situ interferometry technique was used to monitor the additive-derived reaction layer formation. The thickness of the reaction layer evolves with rubbing until reaching a limiting thickness value of approximately 70  nm. The evolution of the topography and mechanical properties of the ZDDP-derived reaction layer with rubbing time were studied using Atomic Force Microscopy. A constant roughening and hardening of the additive-derived layer with rubbing time is observed and related to the different tribological performance of the layer at different rubbing times.