Tribological properties of serpentine lubricant additives evaluated by orthogonal tests method

Tribological properties of oleic acid modified natural serpentine ultrafine mineral powders as lubricating oil additive were investigated by a reciprocating sliding wear tester. The effects of the four factors including load, reciprocating frequency, sliding time and concentration of serpentine on the properties of serpentine additive were analyzed. Results indicate that the anti-wear and friction-reducing properties of the base oil are significantly improved by the addition of the modified serpentine powders. The order that affects the friction-reducing performance of the serpentine additive is:concentration, reciprocating frequency, load, sliding time, and the optimal tribological conditions are 100 N, 5 Hz, 180 min, 0.5%(mass fraction). While that affects the anti-wear property is:load, concentration, reciprocating frequency, sliding time, and the optimal conditions are 100 N, 50 Hz, 180 min, 0.3%. Serpentine minerals forms a tribofilm consisting of various oxides, graphite and organic compounds on the friction surface, which is the key to improving anti-wear and friction-reducing properties.