Influence of ionic liquid/liquid metals on the lubrication properties of lithium grease

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to use an ionic liquid (IL, [HMIM]PF6) to improve the lubrication performance of liquid metal (LM) as a lithium grease additive and to expand the application range of LM. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the different mass ratios of [HMIM]PF6/LM mixtures were added into the lithium grease on a four-ball tribo-meter to investigate the effects of its tribological behavior. Scanning electron mircoscope/energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to reveal the anti-wear and friction-reducing mechanism of the additives. Findings When the load was used at 461 N, the average coefficient of friction (ACOF) and average wear scar diameter (AWSD) of steel ball Lubricated with grease with an optimal ratio of 2:3 ([HMIM]PF6/LM) were reduced by 32.8% and 30.5%, respectively. Friction and wear mechanisms are ascribed to friction-induced additive components that can simultaneously form a composite lubrication film consisting of FePO4, FeF3, Ga2O3, In2O3 and SnO2. Research limitations/implications Compared with the pure lithium-based grease, when [HMIM]PF6/LM was added with an optimal ratio of 2:3, the ACOF and AWSD were reduced by 12.4% from 0.097 to 0.085 and 23.8% from 552.117 µm to 420.590 µm under 392 N, respectively. When at 461 N, the ACOF and AWSD of steel ball were reduced by 32.8% from 0.122 to 0.082 and 30.5% from 715.714 µm to 497.472 µm, respectively. It was shown that the simultaneous addition of LM and [HMIM]PF6 can form a composite lubrication film consisting of FePO4, FeF3, Ga2O3, In2O3 and SnO2. Originality/value In this paper, [HMIM]P F6 is added with LM simultaneously to improve the lubrication properties of lithium grease, and expand the application scope of LM. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-01-2024-0017/