Adhesion and structure of lubricant films: Molecular simulations of amine-based organic additives in base oil at a model of steel surface

Abstract

Wear mitigation in gears and rolling bearings lengthens the service life of machines and contributes to the achievement of a more sustainable society. Organic additives form protective films on rubbing steel surfaces of mechanical contacts that can mitigate wear significantly. However, wear prevention requires the design of new additives for lubricants that are environmentally friendly. Molecular simulations are employed to investigate the effect of the base oil on the adsorption, the lubricant adhesion, and structural properties of a promising organic additive (N,N - Bis(4-aminobutyl) oleylamine). Results are compared with oleylamine. They suggest better performances for the promising organic additive. Overall, findings further support the fact that additives with polar head groups with aminoalkyl branches reduce wear efficiently in mechanical contacts.