Comparative study of the tribological properties of ionic liquids as additives of the attapulgite and bentone greases

Three kinds of ionic liquids (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (L-P104), 1-hexyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate (L-P106) and 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (LB108)) were added to the attapulgite base grease and the bentone base grease to investigate and compare the tribological behaviours of the ionic liquids with the two base greases at room temperature and 150 degrees C. Tribological tests were performed using a ball-on-plate reciprocating tribometer. The attapulgite base grease showed better wear resistance properties than that of bentone base grease by adding ionic liquids as additives. At same time, the attapulgite base grease showed excellent friction-reducing and wear resistance properties at high temperature (150 degrees C). Also, we discussed the tribological mechanism of the attapulgite base grease at both room temperature and 150 degrees C from the aspect of the structure of the grease thicker. Copyright (C) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.