Lubricating properties of TR Gel-lube—Influence of chemical structure and content of gel agent

Tribological properties of a new and unique thermo-reversible Gel-Lubricant (TR Gel-lube) have been investigated. TR Gel-lube that includes an amide-type gel agent in base fluid is repeatedly able to change from gel state to liquid state at the melting point of its gel agent. Very low friction coefficient is indicated because of adsorption on a metal surface, and the gel agent works as an oiliness agent. In this study, the correlation between the lubricating property and the gel agent's characteristics (chemical structure, content, etc.) was clarified. DSC tester was applied to evaluate the stability of the gel state by change of entropy and the thermodynamic consideration was examined. In addition, lubricating properties under practical conditions such as at high temperature and in the presence of water were proved.