Elaboration of Ionic Liquids on the Anti-Wear Performance of the Reinforced Steel-Steel Contact Surface

This study conducted a tribological investigation of base oil (PAO6 and 5W 40) and ionic liquids (IL)-modified lubricants through a four-ball tribometer for 30 min. The lubricants were fabricated via a two-step method using stirring magnetic and ultrasonic dispersion. IL, base oil, and lubricants were, respectively, characterized by XRD and FTIR analysis. In addition, multiple characterizations such as EDS, 3D morphology, and SEM were carried out to evaluate the wear and friction performance of steel balls. Ultimately, the results showed that the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear scar diameter (WSD) of wear scar lubricated by IL-modified lubricants were greatly decreased than that by base oil. IL can well improve the tribological properties of PAO 6 oil and 5W-40 oil due to the tribo-film appearance on the friction surface of wear scar by the effective role of IL. Fascinatingly, this investigation comprehensively and elaborately put a new sight into the lubrication mechanism of how IL reacted with a base oil and enhanced the tribological characteristics.