Investigation of Shear-Dependent Conformational Changes of Water-Doped Organic Friction Modifier Films at the Iron Oxide/Oil Interface

Lubrication ensures the reliable operation of combustion engines whilst also offering a reduction in emissions and fuel consumption. Organic friction modifiers (OFMs) are a common class of friction-reducing additives included in engine lubricants and are known to adsorb at metal surfaces. However, the exact mechanism by which they operate has yet to be defined. To understand how these additives function, a novel tribometer rig has been developed. This enables neutron reflectivity experiments to be carried out at elevated temperatures and pressures, whilst the surface is sheared. In this set of experiments, we will measure the thickness of the film formed by Ethomeen 18/12 molecules on iron oxide surfaces as a function of shear rate and water doping.