Tribological performance of room-temperature ionic liquids as lubricant

The tribological performance of room-temperature ionic liquid of alkylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate was evaluated using an Optimol SRV oscillating friction and wear tester in air and a CZM vacuum friction tester in vacuum (1x10(-3) Pa) using a steel/steel (SAE52100) contact. From the results, the ionic liquid exhibits excellent friction-reduction, antiwear proprieties, both in air and vacuum, which are superior to phosphazene (X-1P) and perfluoropolyether (PFPE). During friction, the ionic liquid forms a surface protective film mainly composed of FeF2 and B2O3, which contributes to low friction and wear.