Influence of hydroxyl group functionalization and alkyl chain length on physicochemical and antiwear properties of hexafluorophosphate imidazolium ionic liquids

Purpose – The aim of the present paper is that three long-chain hydroxyethyl alkylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquids (ILs) were synthesized and evaluated as lubricants for steel-steel contacts at room temperature and boundary lubrication conditions. Hydroxyethyl functional group and alkyl chain length effect on the physicochemical and fretting tribological behaviors of the ILs was comparatively investigated, as compared to traditional dialkylimidazolium ILs. Design/methodology/approach – The fretting friction and wear tests were carried out using an Optimol SRV-IV oscillating reciprocating friction and wear tester. The worn surface was observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical corrosion behavior of copper disks in selected imidazolium-based ionic liquids was studied using a CHI660B electrochemical workstation. Findings – This can be seen by comparing the results for the non-hydroxyl ILs and hydroxyl ILs that the latter exhibit...