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Green Alternatives to Zinc Dialkyldithiophosphates: Vanadium Oxide-Based Additives.
Andrew J Straiton1, Thokozile A Kathyola2,3, Callum Sweeney4
1Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
ACS Applied Engineering Materials
|December 1, 2023
Summary
A novel vanadyl(IV) acetylacetonate complex offers superior antiwear performance compared to zinc dialkyldithiophosphates (ZDDPs). This vanadium-based compound eliminates harmful byproducts, presenting a greener alternative for lubrication technology.
Area of Science:
- Tribology
- Materials Science
- Lubrication Engineering
Background:
- Zinc dialkyldithiophosphates (ZDDPs) are the industry standard antiwear additives.
- ZDDPs can form harmful byproducts due to their sulfur and phosphorus content.
- There is a need for more effective and environmentally friendly antiwear agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a functionalized vanadyl(IV) acetylacetonate (acac) complex as an antiwear agent.
- To compare its performance against ZDDPs.
- To analyze the composition and structure of the formed tribofilms.
Main Methods:
- X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy.
- X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
- Near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) analysis.
Main Results:
- The vanadyl(IV) acac complex demonstrated superior antiwear properties compared to ZDDPs.
- Tribofilm analysis revealed a mixed-valence oxide composite (V(III), V(IV), V(V)).
- Significant differences in composition were observed between the bulk and surface of the tribofilms.
Conclusions:
- Vanadyl(IV) acac is a highly effective antiwear agent with the potential to replace ZDDPs.
- The absence of sulfur and phosphorus in the vanadyl complex avoids the formation of noxious byproducts.
- This represents a significant advancement in antiwear agent design for improved environmental compatibility.
