Robert V Klint

Chemical effects in the boundary lubrication of aluminum

Abstract The effect of chemical attachment in boundary lubrication is strikingly demonstrated by the relative lubricating properties on aluminum of 1-cetene and cetane in thrust washer experiments. The unreactive hydrocarbon cetane permitted galling and seizing of the aluminum to occur with high friction. However, the use of the reactive 1-cetene resulted in sliding taking place at low friction. The role of aluminum oxide particles and their relation to wear is discussed. The basic requirements for a good boundary lubricant for aluminum are shown to be (1) chemical attachment to the fresh aluminum surface formed in rubbing, (2) sufficient chain length and (3) polarity to coat abrasive aluminum oxide wear particles.