Effect of ageing on lubricants’ physical and chemical properties and tribological performance

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of water contamination on ageing of lubricants. Design/methodology/approach The viscosity, total acid number and Fourier transform infrared spectrum of a series of lubricants after ageing with water were studied. The tribological performance (friction and wear) of the aged lubricants was also analyzed, followed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis on the selected post test samples to study the tribochemical features of the tribofilm. Findings The results were also compared with Part I of this study, and it was found that ageing has a different impact on lubricants and tribological performances based on the physical and chemical properties when water is present in the lubricants. Originality/value This paper is a continuation of Part I of this study and gives an understanding on the impact of water on the lubricants and related tribological and tribochemical performance.