Tribological properties of lubricant with liquid crystals additives =

Abstract

Tribological properties of a mineral engine lubricant with and without liquid crystals additives are analysed in the paper. The research covered the homologous rank of twisted nematic liquid crystals (cholesterol esters). There was tested steel friction pair "rotating roller-stationary block". Tests were made at a contact pressure p=3.32÷6.68 MPa, sliding speed v=1.43 m/s, limits of the concetration of liquid crystals in the lubricant were c=0.16÷1.84% and the average height of surface roughness of specimens (rollers and blocks) was Rz=2.53 µm. Dependence of the friction coefficient and the friction zone temperature on contact pressure and concentration of liquid crystals in the lubricant is established.