Robust Macroscale Superlubricity Enabled by the Protic Ionic Liquid Polyol Aqueous Solution: From Interface Adsorption to Tribofilm Formation.

Achieving a robust macroscale liquid superlubricity on an engineering steel interface through the use of waterborne green lubricants has gained growing attention, given the substantial potential in reducing energy consumption, carbon emissions, and equipment failure. However, maintaining superlubricity for a prolonged duration under various conditions is a major obstacle for practical applications, which is mainly limited by insufficient recognition about the superlubricity. Herein, a robust and durable macroscale liquid superlubricity enabled by the unique lubricant based on the protic ionic liquid as an additive, which consists of dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid as anions and dimethyl alkyl amines as cations, in aqueous 1,2-propanediol triggers at the self-mated steel interface.

Perspective of Tribological Mechanisms for α-Alkene Molecules with Different Chain Lengths from Interface Behavior.

Three α-alkene lubricants, differentiated by chain length, were selected as model compounds to investigate the influence of chain length on tribological properties. The novelty of this study lies in setting chain length as the sole variable to explore its impact on surface and adsorption energy. Based on the above findings, the study provides a unique explanation of the intrinsic relationship between chain length and tribological performance.