Lube-Tech
use due to strong bonding between large molecules, which makes it difficult for evaporation while under stress and inducing less volatility. This ensures that film thickness remains at certain levels to prevent engine wear [30]. Research into volatility and friction modifier relationships looks at these interactions to see how they affect the inverse relationship between efficiency and wear with film thickness. One study by Cañellas et al. observed the tribological properties of friction modifiers, along with anti-wear additives and esters, for electric vehicle applications [31]. As the future of the automotive industry, electric and hybrid vehicles require lubricants with friction modifiers to ensure minimal friction losses. Such oils would interact with gears and different clutches for vehicle speeds. Certain greases and oils, including polypropylene acting as a thickening agent, have shown friction modifier properties when converted in-situ [30,31].
Specifically for this study, Cañellas et al. tested how esters synergised with friction modifiers and/ or anti-wear additives for a variety of tribological applications. Researchers tested for traction coefficient- a term analogous to friction modifiers- and saw a decrease between 20-50%, depending on the mixture used [31]. Testing methods included using a Mini-Traction Machine running for six hours while lubricant was covered onto a steel ball and allowed to roll over a metal disk. Friction modifiers used included MoDTP, OFM, and poly isobutyl succinate- polyetheramine polymer (PFM1) and another polymeric friction modifier designated as PFM2. Results indicated synergies for friction reduction between MoDTP and ZDDP via oxidative and reduction reactions, a reduction of traction coefficient by 64% compared to base PAO 6 oil, and a decrease in traction coefficient by 62% for PFM 2 [32]. Future research will continue to investigate these synergies, along with new formulations of engine oils.
Conclusion In tribology, the pursuit of high-quality engines and
PUBLISHED BY LUBE: THE EUROPEAN LUBRICANTS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
No.155 page 7
engine oils has called for maintaining film thickness. Tribological industries keep pushing the limits of engine technology with respect to improved power and performance. As such, improvements in engine oils (namely, friction modifiers) are required for a robust film thickness throughout a variety of operating conditions. Friction modifier additives, including OFMs, iOFMs, and functionalised polymers as friction modifiers, have all shown promise in reducing engine wear and friction. Researchers from across the world have experimented with different friction modifier mixtures to observe tribological synergies between each class, including friction modifier materials and chemicals. In this pursuit, an inverse relationship between engine efficiency and engine wear in relation to fuel economy further inclines researchers to investigate synergies for the best engine oil possible. Also, researchers’ current findings indicate that further investigations are required for complete synergy understanding. Systematic combinations between FMs and their engine oils must be observed for advancing mechanical engine properties, with advancements required from the molecular level to validation levels once an engine is completed. As such, future research will further investigate synergies, ushering in a new age for tribology.
The authors would like to thank Mr. Paul Riedel and Mr. Mark Nyholm from Amsoil, for their help in reviewing and improving this manuscript.
Authors Dr. Raj Shah serves in the role of Director at Koehler Instrument Company in New York, boasting an impressive 28-year tenure with the organisation. Recognised as a Fellow by his peers at eminent organisations such as IChemE, AOCS, CMI, STLE, AIC, NLGI, INSTMC, Institute of Physics, The Energy Institute, and The Royal Society of Chemistry, he stands as a distinguished recipient of the ASTM Eagle award. Dr. Shah, a veteran in the field, recently coedited the highly acclaimed “Fuels and
LUBE MAGAZINE NO.184 DECEMBER 2024 33
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