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Ionic liquids as oil additives for lubricating oxygen-diffusion case-hardened titanium...

Publication Type
Journal
Journal Name
Tribology International
Publication Date
Page Numbers
342 to 348
Volume
136

This study attempts to use ionic liquids (ILs) as oil additives to lubricate oxygen-diffusion (OD) case-hardened titanium for improved friction and wear behavior. Four oil-soluble ILs were used as additives in a base oil for boundary lubrication of an OD-treated Ti-6Al-4V surface sliding against a bearing steel ball. The ILs improved the friction behavior to various extents and the two phosphate ILs clearly outperformed the conventional ZDDP. Unlike ZDDP that adversely caused a higher material loss, ILs exhibited excellent wear protection suggesting good material-chemical compatibility. Particularly, the carboxylate IL protected the OD-Ti surface from any measurable wear. The morphology and chemical composition of the worn surfaces and tribofilms were examined to gain insights of the anti-wear mechanism.