This study investigates the rheological properties, elastohydrodynamic (EHD) film-forming capability, and friction coefficients of low molecular mass poly-α-olefin (PAO) base stocks with varying contents of high molecular mass olefin copolymers (OCPs) to assess their shear stability and their potential for energy-efficient lubrication. Several PAO–OCP mixtures were blended in order to examine the relationship between their additive content and tribological performance. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were used to characterize the molecular masses and structures, respectively. Density, viscosity, EHD film thickness, and friction were measured at 303 K, 348 K, and 398 K. Film thickness and friction were studied at entrainment speeds relevant to the boundary, mixed, and full-film lubrication regimes. The PAO–OCP mixtures underwent temporary shear-thinning resulting in decreases in film thickness and hydrodynamic friction. These results demonstrate that the shear characteristics of PAO–OCP mixtures can be tuned with the OCP content and provide insight into the effects of additives on EHD characteristics.
Investigation of Shear-Thinning Behavior on Film Thickness and Friction Coefficient of Polyalphaolefin Base Fluids With Varying Olefin Copolymer Content
University of Wisconsin,
Platteville, WI 53818;
Northwestern University,
Evanston, IL 60208
e-mail: Zolpert@uwplatt.edu
Northwestern University,
Evanston, IL 60208;
SINOPEC,
Beijing 100083, China
Argonne National Laboratory,
Argonne, IL 60439
University of Akron,
Akron, OH 44325
University of Akron,
Akron, OH 44325
University of Akron,
Akron, OH 44325
Ashland Corporation,
Lexington, KY 40509
Ashland Corporation,
Lexington, KY 40509
Northwestern University,
Evanston, IL 60208
Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
Northwestern University,
Evanston, IL 60208
Argonne National Laboratory,
Argonne, IL 60439
Argonne National Laboratory,
Argonne, IL 60439
Northwestern University,
Evanston, IL 60208
University of Wisconsin,
Platteville, WI 53818;
Northwestern University,
Evanston, IL 60208
e-mail: Zolpert@uwplatt.edu
Northwestern University,
Evanston, IL 60208;
SINOPEC,
Beijing 100083, China
Argonne National Laboratory,
Argonne, IL 60439
University of Akron,
Akron, OH 44325
University of Akron,
Akron, OH 44325
University of Akron,
Akron, OH 44325
Ashland Corporation,
Lexington, KY 40509
Ashland Corporation,
Lexington, KY 40509
Northwestern University,
Evanston, IL 60208
Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
Northwestern University,
Evanston, IL 60208
Argonne National Laboratory,
Argonne, IL 60439
Argonne National Laboratory,
Argonne, IL 60439
Northwestern University,
Evanston, IL 60208
Contributed by the Tribology Division of ASME for publication in the JOURNAL OF TRIBOLOGY. Manuscript received January 21, 2016; final manuscript received May 19, 2016; published online August 11, 2016. Assoc. Editor: Zhong Min Jin.
The United States Government retains, and by accepting the article for publication, the publisher acknowledges that the United States Government retains, a nonexclusive, paid-up, irrevocable, worldwide license to publish or reproduce the published form of this work, or allow others to do so, for United States Government purposes.
Zolper, T. J., He, Y., Delferro, M., Shiller, P., Doll, G., LotfizadehDehkordi, B., Ren, N., Lockwood, F., Marks, T. J., Chung, Y., Greco, A., Erdemir, A., and Wang, Q. (August 11, 2016). "Investigation of Shear-Thinning Behavior on Film Thickness and Friction Coefficient of Polyalphaolefin Base Fluids With Varying Olefin Copolymer Content." ASME. J. Tribol. March 2017; 139(2): 021504. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4033716
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