Lubrication of PVD coatings with ethyl-dimethyl-2-methoxyethylammonium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate

► [(NEMM)MOE][FAP] ionic liquid in the lubrication of PVD coatings was studied. ► The ionic liquid (pure and as additive) decreased friction in all cases. ► The ionic liquid as pure lubricant improved load-carrying capacity of the coatings. ► The ionic liquid interacted with the coatings forming tribofilms.