The tribological properties and tribochemical analysis of blends of poly alpha-olefins with neopentyl polyol esters

Abstract The tribological properties of blends of poly alpha-olefins with neopentyl polyol esters were evaluated with a four-ball tester. Results show blends display better tribological properties than pure neopentyl polyol esters. So blends can replace pure neopentyl polyol esters to reduce cost. The film-forming properties were also investigated. The worn surfaces were analyzed by SEM, LSCM and XPS. The surface analysis reveals chemical adsorption films and chemical reaction films composed of Fe 3 O 4 , FeO, Fe 2 O 3 and [Fe(CH 3 C(O)CHC(O)CH 3 ) 3 ] were formed on worn surfaces. Also, PAOs and neopentyl polyol esters get a synergistic boundary lubrication effect under both antiwear and extreme pressure conditions.