Evaluation of tribological properties of lubricants based on Hersey’s–Stribeck’s characteristics

The content of the paper presents the results of investigations of selected lubricants. The study led to obtaining Hersey’s-Stribeck’s curves and to comparison of the lubricating properties of lubricants belonging to different groups such as hydrocarbon oils, perfluoropolyether oils (PFPE), and ionic liquids. The following liquids were evaluated for tribological properties: PAO-6 polyalphaolefin oil base, CJ 006 ionic liquid (3-methyl-1-propylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethylsulphonyl)-imide) and Fomblin Y 04 synthetic perfluoropolyether oil. The research was carried out using the universal nano/micro tribotester (UNMT-CETR, CA, USA) at the Department of Tribology, Surface Engineering and Service Fluids Logistics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Military University of Technology. The study consisted of friction of a ball bearing steel (100 Cr 6) with a round specimen of a certain roughness (ball-on-disc). Friction occurred in rotational motion of the specimen, at different rotational speeds at constant radius and at constant load (0.25 N; 5 N; 50 N). The friction node was lubricated with the tested liquid. Keywords: tribology, friction factor, Hersey’s−Stribeck’s characteristics.