Tribological performance of rare‐earth alkylsalicylate as lubrication additive

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to study the tribological performance of an oil soluble mixed rare‐earth alkylsalicylate (REA) as lubrication additive in VG 26 white oil, and to estimate the action mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

The organo rare‐earth compound is synthesized, and added in base oil with different concentrations. The tribological performances of the organo rare‐earth compound as a lubrication additive in VG 26 white oil and its anti‐wear properties are evaluated with a four‐ball friction and wear tester. The wear scar is analyzed with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Findings

The novel compound exhibits excellent anti‐wear, load‐carrying and friction‐reducing capacities in base stock. The analytical results of XPS indicate that the excellent performance of REA can be attributed to the formation of a boundary lubricating film mainly composed of alkylsalicylic acid, rare earth oxide, and complexes of rare earth metals, which is formed on a rubbed surface when lubricated by oil containing the REA additive.

Research limitations/implications

Their antioxidant and anticorrosion properties are not estimated.

Practical implications

One useful AW and EP lubricating oil additive is synthesized, and maybe it is the potential industrial applied lubricating oil additive.

Originality/value

This paper provides a study of organo rare‐earth compounds as lubrication additives.

Citation

Liu, R., Tao, D. and Zhao, Y. (2008), "Tribological performance of rare‐earth alkylsalicylate as lubrication additive", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 60 No. 1, pp. 9-13. https://doi.org/10.1108/00368790810839882