How to improve superlubricity performance of diketone at steel interface: Effects of oxygen gas

Abstract Achievement of steady and reliable super-low friction at the steel/steel contact interface, one most tribological systems applied for mechanical moving parts, is importance prolonging machine lifetime reducing energy consumption. Here we reported that superlubricity performance sliding interface lubricated with tiny amounts diketone solution strongly depends on oxygen content in surrounding environment. The increase not only significantly shortens initial running-in time but also further reduces stable coefficient stage due to enhancement tribochemical reactions. On hand, more severe oxidation wear occurring higher facilitates material removal lowering pressure corresponding friction. other growth iron ions during shear process high environment promotes formation chelate which acted as an effective film chemisorbed lower interfacial results provide a new opportunity optimize system, especially towards lubrication engineering materials.