Nearly half of all lubricating fluids used in industry end up in the environment due to leaks or discharges (37-61 million liters per year) and initial responses cost more than $300 million annually. Therefore, the need for eco-friendly lubricants is increasingly recognized. While multiple groups of eco-friendly base fluids are available, there is lack of non-toxic additives. This study reports the first successful development of eco-friendly ionic liquids (ILs) as novel anti-wear additives. In EPA standard chronic aquatic toxicity tests, new candidate ILs showed no negative impact on the survival or reproduction of the model organism, <i>Daphnia</i>, while conventional anti-wear additives killed all <i>Daphnia</i>. In tribological tests, the new candidate ILs demonstrated reduced friction and one order of magnitude better wear protection than the conventional anti-wear additives, when used in an EPA-approved PAG base fluid. This study opens a new research avenue for developing eco-friendly ILs for lubrication and offers a scientific basis for future research.

Development of eco-friendly ionic liquids as novel lubricant additives

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.