Formation, structure, and properties of lubricant‐derived antiwear films

Abstract

Abstract In recent years, surface analytical methods that determine structure have been combined with methods that measure elemental composition and oxidation states, to yield an improved understanding of lubricant‐derived tribofilms. Methods assessing the mechanical properties of thin films have also been applied to tribofilms with thicknesses of the order of nanometres. These methods, in combination with chemical and physical studies of bulk lubricant systems and assessments of lubricant behaviour in tribological environments, have made it possible to describe comprehensively film forming mechanisms, structures and tribological properties. This paper outlines the initial results of such an attempt, focusing on zinc dialkyl dithiophosphates and overbased detergents in model systems and engine oils.