An Ultrahigh Vacuum Investigation of the Chemistry and Tribology of Extreme-Pressure Lubricant Additives

该奖项授予位于密尔沃基的威斯康星大学的Wilfred Tysoe教授，由化学系的分析和表面化学项目以及工程理事会的土木和机械系统项目共同支持。该研究项目的目标是：1)阐明摩擦膜表面化学之间的关系；2)表征摩擦膜的结构；3)定义摩擦膜的摩擦学性能。该研究人员先前的研究表明，在超高真空（UHV）条件下生长的摩擦学膜与在摩擦学条件下形成的膜相同。对薄膜摩擦和磨损行为的基本理解将导致更安全，更有效的润滑剂。该研究项目体现了教育与研究的良好结合。这项基础研究可以通过为润滑油化学家提供改进润滑油配方所需的信息，在不久的将来对社会产生直接影响。此外，由于环境法规的限制，目前润滑油中使用的添加剂正在逐步淘汰，因此发现新的、有效的添加剂至关重要。润滑油用于金属加工过程，以减少浪费，优化最终产品和提高生产率。因此，本研究具有重要的现实意义和时效性。

This award to Professor Wilfred Tysoe of the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee is jointly supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program in the Division of Chemistry and the Civil and Mechanical Systems Program in the Engineering Directorate. The goals of the research project are 1) to elucidate the relationship between the surface chemistry of tribological films, 2) to characterize the film structure and 3) to define the film's tribological properties. Prior research by this investigator has shown that tribological films grown in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions are identical to those formed under tribological conditions. A fundamental understanding of the friction and wear behavior of the thin films will lead to safer, more effective lubricants.The research project demonstrates an excellent integration of education and research. This fundamental research could have direct impact on society in the immediate future by providing lubricant chemists information needed for improving lubricant formulations. Additionally, the current additives used in lubricants are being phased out due to environmental regulations and it is critical to discover new, effective additives. Lubricants are used in metal working processes to reduce waste, optimize final product and increase productivity. Thus this research is significant and timely.