The tribological performance of bio-based room temperature ionic liquid lubricants: A possible next step in biolubricant technology

Carlton J. Reeves, Pradeep L. Menezes, Michael R. Lovell, Tien Chien Jen, Sarah L. Garvey, Mark L. Dietz

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Historically, biolubricants have evolved from natural oils derived from vegetables to currently used bio-based synthetic room temperature ionic liquids (ILs) that represent a possible next step in biolubricant technology. Natural oils have been used since antiquity due to their high lubricity. As industrial applications become more complex, a desire for more sophisticated lubricants was satisfied with the advent of polyalphaolefins and synthetic ethers. Currently, room temperature ionic liquid lubricants derived from bio-based feedstock represent a promising potential solution to many of the problems associated with previous biolubricants. In this study, the tribological performance of ionic liquids and other comparative lubricants were investigated using a pin-on-disk tribometer under ambient and high temperature conditions. Additionally, a thermogravimetric analysis and an electrochemical corrosion study were performed to investigate the thermal stability and corrosion resistance respectively. The results indicated that the ionic liquids demonstrated improved tribological properties that were equivalent to or superior to conventional petroleum-based and bio-based lubricants due to their unique dipolar structure. When compared to natural oils, the ILs exhibited low rates of thermal degradation at high temperatures, demonstrating their enhanced thermal stability while also maintaining low friction and wear properties. The ionic liquids also exhibited superior corrosion resistance with multiple metals. The many advantages of ILs particularly their negligible vapor pressure and their variety of tunable properties relevant to tribological behavior indicate that ionic liquids offer tremendous potential as a viable alternative to conventional biolubricants.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication5th World Tribology Congress, WTC 2013
PublisherPolitecnico di Torino (DIMEAS)
Pages341-344
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781634393522
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event5th World Tribology Congress, WTC 2013 - Torino, Italy
Duration: 8 Sept 201313 Sept 2013

Publication series

Name5th World Tribology Congress, WTC 2013
Volume1

Conference

Conference5th World Tribology Congress, WTC 2013
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityTorino
Period8/09/1313/09/13

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Process Chemistry and Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering

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