Abstract
In situ analysis of lubricated, concentrated contacts can be performed using ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy. An ultraviolet Raman spectrometer has been constructed and interfaced to a ball-on-flat tribology apparatus. Two lubricants have been studied under various loads with and without pure sliding: (1) a mixture of perfluoropolyalkyl ethers (Krytox 143AC), and (2) a mixture of high molecular weight multialkylated cyclopentanes (2001A). Results show that without sliding, Krytox and 2001A remain stable under the various loads used. When sliding was applied, both Krytox and 2001A undergo chemical decomposition to amorphous carbon (friction polymer). An analysis of the Raman spectra shows a structural difference between the amorphous carbon produced from Krytox and that produced from 2001A. Results also demonstrate the importance of in situ analysis since the composition at the contact center during and after sliding are different.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 163-170 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Tribology Letters |
| Volume | 4 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1998 |
Funding
We acknowledge the financial support from the Tribology Research Center at Northwestern University. We are highly grateful to Dr. Herbert Cheng and his students at the research center for providing us with a tribology rig, giving us advice in the modification of the rig and in the pressure and film thickness calculations.
Keywords
- Lubricant chemistry
- Multialkylated cyclopentane
- Perfluoropolyalkyl ether
- Raman spectroscopy
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Mechanics of Materials
- Mechanical Engineering
- Surfaces and Interfaces
- Surfaces, Coatings and Films