Fabrication of novel ionic liquids-doped polyaniline as lubricant additive for anti-corrosion and tribological properties

Two types of ionic liquids-doped polyaniline (ILs-doped PANI) were synthesized based on an improved interfacial polymerization and evaluated as anti-wear and anti-corrosion additives in poly alpha olefin (PAO) and polyurea grease. Their nanostructures and functionalization were analyzed in detail. The anti-corrosion performance of ILs-doped PANI was assessed via salt spray test, which reveals the excellent anti-corrosion performance. Tribological tests demonstrated that ILs-doped PANI as additives can remarkably reduce friction coefficients and wear volumes in PAO and also in polyurea grease. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra of the worn surfaces suggested the excellent friction reduction and anti-wear abilities of ILs-doped PANI were strongly dependent on the synergistic lubricating effect during the friction process.