Tribological properties and hydrolysis stability study of benzothiazole borate derivative

A novel borate ester derivative containing mercaptobenzothiazol and ethanolamine group (BMB) was synthesised and characterised. Its tribological properties in RSO were evaluated using a four-ball tribometer, and its action mechanisms were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Its hydrolysis stability was investigated by open observation method and half-time method, and its mechanism was discussed through Gaussian calculation. Results show that BMB possesses excellent extreme pressure, better anti-wear performances and excellent hydrolysis stability for lone electron of nitrogen atoms forming a coordination effect with B atom. The boundary film, which contains organic nitrogen and inorganic salt, such as BN, Fe2(SO4)3 and Fe-O-B, contributed to improve the tribological properties of RSO. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.