The Effect of Basic Nitrogen Compounds on the Tribological Performance of Sulphurised Olefin

The effect of the molecular structure of basic nitrogen compounds on the lubricating properties of sulphurised olefin has been investigated using a Timken tester. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX) were used to study the chemical states of sulphur and nitrogen on the rubbed surfaces and the reaction rates of sulphur and iron separately. It was found that the antiwear and friction reduction properties of sulphurised olefin are greatly influenced by the different molecular structures of the basic nitrogen compounds. A composite additive package containing basic nitrogen compounds with sulphurised olefin can produce either synergistic or antagonistic effects, due to the influence of the different molecular structures of the basic nitrogen compounds. XPS analysis revealed that a tribochemical protective film containing nitrogen and sulphur was formed on the rubbed surface. EDAX analysis indicated that the reaction rates between elemental sulphur and iron were influenced by the different molecular structures of the basic nitrogen compounds. It was found that the apparent reaction rates of elemental sulphur and iron are related to the tribological characteristics of the additive package.