Effect of Phosphomolybdates on the Tribological Characteristics of Lubricants

Abstract—The paper presents the results of studies on how the structure and physicochemical properties of polymer inorganic phosphorus-containing additives influence model lubricant bases (glycerol, liquid paraffin). Data of some tribotechnical tests are given. The lubricating mechanism of phosphomolybdates of copper(II) and zinc is due to a change in the structure of anions of additive molecules from ring to chain with oxygen absorption from the environment between the metal surface and flexible linear additive molecules; this forms a strong covalent bond that promotes the formation of secondary structures on friction surfaces.