Effects of Co-Existent Additives and the Role of Reacted Surface Film on the Friction with an Organo-Molybdenum Compound

In order to elucidate the effects of co-existing additives (S$_{8}$, TBP: Tri butyl phosphate, ZnDTP: Zinc-dialkyl dithiophosphate) and the role of reacted surface film on the friction behavior of MoDTP (molybdenum dialkyl dithiophosphate), a friction experiment using a dual circular pipe edge surface type friction tester and XPS (X-ray photoelectronic spectrum) surface analysis were conducted. Friction reduction with MoDTP lubricant was proved to be greatly influenced by co-existing additive species. It was dependent on the properties of the film formed through the reaction between the additive and the surface. Phosphate film reduced the friction coefficient of MoDTP through suppression of diffusion of Mo compounds towards the metal substrate. On the other hand, sulfate film, which is inherently rich in lattice defects, did not lead to any appreciable friction reduction with MoDTP since the diffusion of the Mo compound towards the metal substrate was not effectively suppressed. With ZnDTP additive, the sulfide film formed through decomposition greatly influenced the lubricating performance of MoDTP. As such, properties of surface films formed from additives were proved to yield significant influence on the lubrication performance of MoDTP.