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Robust Macroscale Superlubricity Enabled by the Protic Ionic Liquid Polyol Aqueous Solution: From Interface
Juhua Xiang1,2, Zhiwen Zheng1, Haijie Chen3
1State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|February 13, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel water-based lubricant with protic ionic liquid additive for achieving robust macroscale liquid superlubricity on steel interfaces. The advanced lubricant significantly reduces friction and wear, paving the way for greener industrial applications.
Area of Science:
- Tribology
- Materials Science
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Macroscale liquid superlubricity is crucial for reducing energy consumption and equipment failure.
- Maintaining superlubricity long-term on steel interfaces using water-based lubricants remains challenging.
- Understanding the fundamental mechanisms of superlubricity is key for practical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a robust and durable water-based lubricant for macroscale liquid superlubricity on steel.
- To investigate the mechanisms behind the enhanced superlubricity provided by a protic ionic liquid additive.
- To establish the performance limits of the new lubricant under high load and speed conditions.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of a novel water-based lubricant using a protic ionic liquid (dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid anions and dimethyl alkyl amines cations) in aqueous 1,2-propanediol.
- Performance evaluation under high application load (200 N) and sliding speed (0.557 m/s) on a self-mated steel interface.
- Specialized intermittent testing to analyze the evolution of superlubricity, including running-in, lubricant chemistry, additive adsorption, and tribofilm formation.
Main Results:
- Achieved an average coefficient of friction of approximately 0.007 under high load and speed conditions.
- Demonstrated sustained superlubricity at a real contact pressure of about 400 MPa, exceeding current water-based lubricant capabilities.
- Identified the mechanism involving chemical adsorption of ionic liquid anions and tribo-induced reactions forming a protective, low-shear interface.
Conclusions:
- The developed protic ionic liquid-based lubricant enables robust and durable macroscale liquid superlubricity on steel.
- The findings provide critical insights into the role of chemical adsorption and tribochemical films in achieving superlubricity.
- This work represents a significant advancement towards the industrial implementation of green water-based superlubricity technologies.
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