The Lubrication of Electrical Contacts

AFM-based nanotribological and electrical characterization of ultrathin wear-resistant ionic liquid films

“…Unlike conventional lubricants that are electrically insulating, ionic liquids can minimize the contact resistance between sliding surfaces because they are conducting, and conducting lubricants are needed for various electrical applications (e.g., see [9]). These liquids can also be used to mitigate arcing, which is a cause of electrical breakdown in sliding electrical contacts [18]. In addition, ILs have high thermal conductivity which helps to dissipate heat during sliding [19].…”

Control of Nanoscale Friction on Gold in an Ionic Liquid by a Potential-Dependent Ionic Lubricant Layer

“…For example, it is difficult to meet the precise operating standards required over practical lifetimes in micro-and nanoelectromechanical systems because friction must be controlled across tiny dimensions for components with high surface-area-tovolume ratios [29]. Likewise, electrical contacts [30] or surfaces prone to contact electrification [31] stand to benefit, as ILs are electrically conductive lubricants. This latter property is important, as traditional molecular lubricants such as polytetrafluoroethylene are often unsuitable in these situations specifically because they are electrically insulating.…”

Ultrathin Wear‐Resistant Ionic Liquid Films for Novel MEMS/NEMS Applications

“…[9] These liquids can also be used to mitigate arcing, which is a cause of electrical breakdown in sliding electrical contacts. [18] In addition, ILs have high thermal conductivity which helps to dissipate heat during sliding. [19] The use of ionic liquids instead of hydrocarbon base oils (such as highly reformed mineral oils) has the potential to dramatically reduce air emissions coming from by-products of hydrocarbon oxidation.…”