Automotive lubricants for the next millennium

Abstract

During the first decades of the next millennium, automobile manufacturers will strive to achieve, in the USA, another twofold increase in energy efficiency and tenfold reduction in emission levels. On the way to achieving these goals, automobile manufacturers will be improving efficiency and emissions of internal combustion engines, while minimizing customer servicing requirements, as well as introducing new unconventional engine technologies and gradually changing energy sourcing from oil to gas, and possibly to hydrogen. Numerous supporting technologies, such as electronics, computers, sensors, fuels, catalysts, lubricants, etc., will be involved in contributing to engine system improvements. This paper describes expected improvements and changes in lubricant technology and points out the need for development of “breakthrough” technologies which could satisfy the near‐term requirements and eventually in the long term, in combination with novel surface technologies and engine design changes, lead to fill‐for‐life engine lubrication.

A review of recent developments of friction modifiers for liquid lubricants (2007–present)

“…However, it can effectively improve friction-reducing and anti-wear properties when combined with ZDDP due to the formation of MoS 2 on the rubbing surface by the tribochemical reaction of 6 and ZDDP [37,38]. Although the above organomolybdenum compounds can be used as highly efficient friction modifiers, it is urgent to reduce or eliminate the harmful elements (such as phosphorus and sulfur) in lubricant additives and develop the environment-friendly additives without reducing the wear and friction performances [39][40][41].…”

The Transient Friction Response of a Laser-Textured, Reciprocating Contact to the Entrainment of Individual Pockets

“…An obvious strategy is to tackle engine friction losses since studies show these constitute a significant proportion (11.5 %) of the dissipated fuel energy, of which the piston/cylinder system accounts for 45 % [1]. For instance, as stated by Korcek et al [2] and Macian et al [3], the use of low viscosity oils (LVOs) is increasingly being embraced by OEMs. This is done in order to reduce hydrodynamic losses and lower the engine power, required to achieve a specific set of operating conditions.…”

In-Cylinder Fuel and Lubricant Effects on Gasoline Engine Friction

“…One of these conflicting requirements is to further fuel economy, but to phase out the two most powerful and efficient additives which are currently responsible for the fuel economy gains we have seen in the past 10 -15 years, ZDDP and MoDTC. It has been said by leading researchers that some of the requirements challenging the automotive industry are often demanding, contradictory, and that others cannot be met without a "breakthrough" (Korcek, Sorab et al 2000). The authors stress that there were many tribological issues to be solved to successfully meet future emission and fuel economy requirements and that there was an urgent need for extensive systematic lubrication research to meet future technological challenges and competitive pressures.…”