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Liquid metal/ionic liquid lubricants: rational design and tribological performance evaluation
Chuan Li1, Wenyang Huang2, Xu Tan1,2
1School of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Anhui Province High Frequency Soft Magnetic and Ceramic Powder Materials Engineering Research Center, Chaohu University, Hefei 238024, China.
Dalton Transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)
|June 25, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a liquid metal/ionic liquid (LM/IL) additive to enhance lubricant performance. The novel LM/IL additive significantly improves extreme pressure, anti-wear, and friction reduction properties.
Area of Science:
- Tribology
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Lubricant performance is critical for reducing friction and wear in mechanical systems.
- Ionic liquids (ILs) show promise as lubricant additives due to their unique properties.
- Enhancing extreme pressure and anti-wear capabilities of lubricants remains a key challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel liquid metal/ionic liquid (LM/IL) additive for improved lubricant performance.
- To evaluate the extreme pressure, anti-wear, and friction reduction properties of the synthesized LM/IL.
- To elucidate the mechanism behind the enhanced tribological behavior.
Main Methods:
- A simple ultrasonic dispersion method was used to prepare the LM/IL additive.
- Tribological properties were assessed using a four-ball tribo-meter under various load conditions.
- First principles calculations and experimental tests were employed to investigate the lubrication mechanism.
Main Results:
- Incorporating 0.2 wt% LM into IL increased the PB value by 46.9% (from 1962 N to 2884 N).
- The LM/IL additive demonstrated superior anti-wear and friction reduction properties at 392 N.
- A boundary lubrication film formed due to friction-induced chemical reactions, enhancing tribological properties.
Conclusions:
- The developed LM/IL additive offers significant improvements in extreme pressure, anti-wear, and friction reduction.
- The formation of a protective boundary lubrication film is key to the enhanced tribological performance.
- This LM/IL additive presents a promising solution for high-performance lubrication applications.
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