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The interaction of a friction modifier and a calcium phenate detergent additive, with zinc dialkyl dithiophosphates (ZDDPs) in the formation of antiwear films on A383, has been studied using synchrotron radiation and nanoindentation techniques. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy has shown that films prepared from oils containing both ZDDP and detergent, and ZDDP and molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC), are chemically similar to, but thicker than those made from oils containing only ZDDP. In addition, wear was greatly reduced in the presence of the detergent which was correlated with the basicity and the presence of the friction modifier. The phosphorus K and L edge XANES spectra show that the tribofilms are polyphosphate glasses of similar nature to those found on steel, but characterised by a shorter chain length. The sulphur K edge shows a MoS2 like film and under certain conditions, the presence of a sulphate species is detected. High resolution topographic images and mech...

The nanomechanical properties of antiwear films formed from zinc dialkyl-dithiophosphates (ZDDPs) on steel have been studied by nanoindentation techniques as a function of temperature. X-ray absorption P K- and L- near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy has shown that films prepared from oils containing ZDDPs on 52100 steel (pin on flat coupons) consist primarily of medium chain polyphosphates with sulphur (S K-edge) predominantly present as sulphide. Using various scanning probe techniques, high-resolution topographic images and mechanical properties can be extracted at the same length scale. Using focused ion beam (FIB) milling we have compared real cross-sectional film thickness with a value estimated from the P K-edge XANES. We report the first measurements of the elastic modulus of the antiwear films at elevated temperatures relevant to the automobile operating conditions (T ≤ 200 °C). The antiwear films demonstrated a relatively constant indentation modulus over a wide range of temperatures consistent with their efficacy in reducing wear by preventing asperity contact.