Characterizing a lubricant additive for 1,3,4-tri-(2-octyldodecyl) cyclopentane: Computational study and experimental verification

• Published in: Friction Vol. 4; no. 3; pp. 257 - 265
• Main Authors: Nian, Jingyan, Si, Yifan, Guo, Zhiguang, Gao, Ping, Liu, Weimin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Beijing Tsinghua University Press 01.09.2016; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Additives; Compatibility; Computers; Corrosion and Coatings; Engineering; Experiments; Forming; Friction; Lubricants; Lubricants & lubrication; Lubrication; Mechanical Engineering; Nanotechnology; Phosphates; Physical Chemistry; Research Article; Shear; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thin Films; Tribology; lubrication mechanism; lubricant additive; computational screening; experimental verification; 1,3,4-tri-(2-octyldodecyl) cyclopentane
• ISSN: 2223-7690; 2223-7704
• DOI: 10.1007/s40544-016-0124-8

In order to increase the life of spacecraft, it is important to improve the comprehensive lubrication performance. Multiple alkylated cyclopentane (MAC) lubricants are presently gaining wide acceptance for actual space applications; adding extreme pressure additive is a strategy to improve lubrication performance. In this study, taking 1,3,4-tri-(2-octyldodecyl) cyclopentane as base oil, tricresol phosphate (traditional additive) and tri-(2-octyldodecyl) phosphate (developmental additive) have been screened computationally for compatibility, shear film forming and energy dissipation. Theoretical results indicate that (a) tricresol phosphate additive is not suited for addition to 1,3,4-tri-(2-octyldodecyl) cyclopentane lubricant due to limited compatibility; (b) tri-(2-octyldodecyl) phosphate is an excellent lubricant additive due to its perfect compatibility, ease of forming a shear film on the surface of friction pairs, higher strength, and low energy dissipation; and (c) lubrication occurs through the solid-liquid composite lubrication mechanism. These theoretical results were confirmed experimentally.