The tribological properties and tribochemical analysis of blends of poly alpha-olefins with neopentyl polyol esters

The tribological properties of blends of poly alpha-olefins with neopentyl polyol esters were evaluated with a four-ball tester. Results show blends display better tribological properties than pure neopentyl polyol esters. So blends can replace pure neopentyl polyol esters to reduce cost. The film-forming properties were also investigated. The worn surfaces were analyzed by SEM, LSCM and XPS. The surface analysis reveals chemical adsorption films and chemical reaction films composed of Fe3O4, FeO, Fe2O3 and [Fe(CH3C(O)CHC(O)CH3)3] were formed on worn surfaces. Also, PAOs and neopentyl polyol esters get a synergistic boundary lubrication effect under both antiwear and extreme pressure conditions.