In order to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions, the energy efficiency of mechanical systems must be improved, and an important way to achieve this goal is to develop lubricants that can produce low friction in machine parts. One way is to optimize the rheology of liquid lubricants to minimize hydrodynamic shear, stirring and pumping losses. In practice, this usually means reducing the lubricant viscosity as much as possible. Another way is to add a small amount of
Friction Modifier to the lubricant to reduce friction in boundary lubrication and mixed lubrication. In practice, it is best to use both methods at the same time, because as the viscosity of the lubricant gradually decreases, the contact points rely only on thinner and thinner friction films, so more and more Friction Modifiers must be used.
Generally speaking, there are several types of friction modifier additives: organic
Friction Improver, functionalized polymers, soluble organic molybdenum additives dispersed nanoparticles.
The lubricant industry has had to evolve to meet the stringent requirements of the growing transportation technology. For example, from simple wear reduction to heat transfer media in cast iron machines. Lubricants are also expected to act as high temperature antioxidants and protective coatings for modern internal combustion engines. Two common ingredients in industrial lubricants today are viscosity and friction modifiers, which work to improve operating efficiency and reduce wear. Friction modifiers (FM) reduce energy losses caused by internal friction and maintain boundary films to prevent wear. Although the
Base Oil can reduce some boundary friction, it is not considered a true FM. Additional additives, including polymers are often used to reduce friction. However, polymer additives have poor shear stability.
