Ionic liquids as tribological performance improving additive: A review

Abstract

In recent years, several papers have been published that investigate the potential use of ionic liquids (ILs) as additives in lubricants. However, corrosive attack of ILs on lubricated metal surfaces and low misci- bility of ILs in the non-polar oils are major obstacles to maintaining an optimum lubrication performance level. IL lubricants may find engineering applications as base oils, additives or thin films. Lubrication mechanism, IL additive technology to further improve lubricity, current challenges and outlook for commercialisation are discussed.