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Ultralow Friction of Mesogenic Fluid Mixtures in Tribological Reciprocating Systems

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Abstract

Tribological systems that are lubricated with mesogenic fluids may exhibit ultralow friction coefficients. This effect, which has not yet been well examined, has been reproducibly observed in a reciprocating friction system after a certain running-in period in different mixtures with two reference lubricants. Aim of the present work was to study the tribological behavior of different mesogenic fluids as pure lubricants and in mixtures with standard lubrication oils. Surface analysis was performed to correlate the tribological characteristics with surface features. A basic approach is described to explain the several effects, which lead to the observed results. A better understanding of the tribological behavior is essential for the development of efficient production methods and for the qualification of mesogenic lubricants for possible future applications.

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Abbreviations

LCs:

Liquid crystals

MF:

Mesogenic fluid

COF:

Coefficient of friction

SEM:

Scanning electron microscope

EP:

Extreme pressure

WLI:

White light vertical scanning interferometry

DLC:

Diamond-like carbon

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Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge R. Eidenschink (Nematel GmbH Co. KG, Mainz, Germany) for very helpful discussions and for supplying the MF compounds.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fraunhofer-Institut für Werkstoffmechanik IWM, Freiburg, Germany

    Tobias Amann & Andreas Kailer

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  1. Tobias Amann
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  2. Andreas Kailer
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Correspondence to Tobias Amann.

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Amann, T., Kailer, A. Ultralow Friction of Mesogenic Fluid Mixtures in Tribological Reciprocating Systems. Tribol Lett 37, 343–352 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11249-009-9527-2

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