For the ordered phases of the mesomorphous lubricant layer to be identified, a quantitative method based on the models of epitropic liquid crystal layers for an infinitely high and finite constant viscosity has been developed. A polarizing tribometer was used for the experimental verification of the theoretical results. The experimental approach is based on the measurement of plane polarized laser light transmitted through the lubricating layer under the steady state shear flow conditions.

The effect of nanodispersed triboactive additive introducing into the oil suspension of model abrasive is considered. The influence of the concentrations both additive and abrasive, as well as the dispersion of the solid phase on the wear of steel-steel pair friction, is determined. It has been suggested that carbon nano-particle additives under these conditions can shield the level of abrasive wear.

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