The effect of ZDDP and MoDTC additives in engine oil on the friction properties of DLC‐coated and steel cam followers

Abstract

AbstractFriction tests simulating cam follower sliding conditions were conducted using a pin‐on‐disc test rig. In the case of SAE 5W‐30 class engine oil, the friction coefficient of the combination of steel pins sliding on a steel disc increased from 0.11 to 0.12, while that of steel pins sliding on a diamond‐like carbon (DLC)‐coated disc decreased from 0.12 to 0.10. For 5W‐20 oil containing the friction modifier MoDTC (molybdenum dithio‐carbamates), the friction coefficient of steel pins sliding on a steel disc decreased markedly from 0.12 to 0.04. In contrast, that of steel pins sliding on a DLC‐coated disc decreased more moderately, from 0.11 to 0.08. In both cases, Zn, P, S, and Mo elements derived from ZDDP (zinc dialkyldithiophosphate) and MoDTC additives were not detected on the DLC‐coated disc, while these elements were detected on the steel disc and pins using electron probe microanalysis and X‐ray photo‐electron spectroscopy surface analysis. It appears that a tribochemical reaction film did not form on the DLC material due to its inactive chemical properties. Therefore, an increase in friction due to the formation of the film derived from ZDDP and a decrease in friction due to the formation of the film derived from MoDTC were clearly suppressed in the case of the steel pins sliding on the DLC‐coated disc. It is thought that the tribo‐chemical reaction film was instrumental in reducing friction substantially. The lateral force of the film formed on the steel disc was then measured using an atomic force microscopy lateral force microscopy test. The lateral force of the film resulting from the 5W‐30 oil was much higher than that of the film formed from the 5W‐20 oil with MoDTC. This result coincided well with the results of the friction tests. Judging from these results, it is thought that the high friction coefficient observed for the steel pins on the steel disc for the 5W‐30 oil was caused by the higher shear strength of the film formed from ZDDP. On the other hand, the very low friction coefficient observed for the steel pin‐steel disc combination for the 5W‐20 oil was presumably caused by the formation of a solid MoS2 lubricant from the MoDTC additive.