Correlating mechanical properties and anti-wear performance of tribofilms formed by ionic liquids, ZDDP and their combinations

This article examines the elasticity, hardness, and resistance-to-plastic-deformation (P/S2) measured via nanoindentation of several tribofilms and correlates these properties to friction and wear behavior. The tribofilms were generated by ball-on-plate reciprocating sliding lubricated by a base oil containing an ionic liquid, phosphonium-organophosphate or ammonium-organophosphate, zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP), or combination of IL and ZDDP. Nanoindentation was conducted at room and elevated temperatures. While there seems little correlation between the tribofilm hardness and tribological behavior, a higher modulus generally leads to better friction and wear performance. Interestingly, a lower P/S2 ratio tends to reduce friction and improve wear protection, which is in an opposite trend as reported for bulk materials. This is likely attributable to the dynamic, self-healing characteristics of tribofilms.