The ultra-low friction achieved via proton-type ionic liquid with inorganic salts at steel/steel interfaces

Macroscale facilitated lubrication is a forward-looking strategy in modern tribology that can significantly reduce friction and wear in mechanical equipment. However, it has been studied experimentally mainly for special friction pairs or point-to-surface contact. In the present work, we have achieved the ultra-low friction for point-to-point contact at the steel/steel interfaces by using the inorganic salts (NaCl and KCl) and the proton-based ionic liquid possessing a simple synthesis step and good solubility stability in aqueous 1,3-propylene glycol (PDOaq). Besides, the addition of the proton-based ionic liquid (PIL) can enhance the maximum non-seizure load (PB value) in PDOaq to 3090 N and the addition of inorganic salts don't lower the PB value. Results show: (1) The proton ionic liquid can be adsorbed on the surface of the friction pairs through electrostatic interactions, and undergo a friction chemical reaction to form a triple film that can effectively cushion the direct contact and collision of the microgrooves. (2) The addition of inorganic salts can form hydrated ions, which can shape a hydrated molecular layer to withstand high normal loads and balance the van der Waals attraction by hydration repulsion, which is a key factor in realizing the ultra-low friction. This discovery greatly expands the application of facilitated lubrication for point-to-point contact on steel surfaces in engineering applications.