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Commercial (protiated) samples of the "green" and biodegradable bioester 2-ethylhexyl laurate (2-EHL) were mixed with D-2-EHL synthesized by hydrothermal deuteration, with the mixtures demonstrating bulk structuring in small-angle neutron scattering measurements. Analysis in a polymer scattering framework yielded a radius of gyration (R (g)) of 6.5 angstrom and a Kuhn length (alternatively described as the persistence length or average segment length) of 11.2 angstrom. Samples of 2-EHL dispersed in acetonitrile formed self-assembled structures exceeding the molecular dimensions of the 2-EHL, with a mean aggregation number (N-agg) of 3.5 +/- 0.2 molecules across the tested concentrations. We therefore present structural evidence that this ester can function as a nonionic (co)-surfactant. The available surfactant-like conformations appear to enable performance beyond the low calculated hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value of 2.9. Overall, our data offer an explanation for 2-EHL's interfacial adsorption properties via self-assembly, resulting in strong emolliency and lubricity for this sustainable ester-based bio-oil., QC 20240223

This paper explores the development of a subject called “tribotronics”, the science of actively controlled tribological elements and considers the potential of tribotronics as part of a revolution machine element design for the future. It presents a “state of the art” assessment of some devices that can be considered to be “tribotronic” which are in common use now, as well as reviewing examples of recent progress in research in tribotronics. It also presents a “perspective” on the future challenges and likely developments in the subject, including the integration of tribotronics with developments in other fields of digital technology, such as Industry 4.0, the “Internet of Things” and machine learning, potentially leading to “cyber tribotronic systems”. It is concluded that it is inevitable that tribotronics will contribute significantly to transforming the design of the components and machines of the present day into the cyber-physical systems in the future.

Three nonhalogenated ionic liquids (ILs) dissolved in 2-ethylhexyl laurate (2-EHL), a biodegradable oil, are investigated in terms of their bulk and electro-interfacial nanoscale structures using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and neutron reflectivity (NR). The ILs share the same trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium ([P6,6,6,14]+) cation paired with different anions, bis(mandelato)borate ([BMB]−), bis(oxalato)borate ([BOB]−), and bis(salicylato)borate ([BScB]−). SANS shows a high aspect ratio tubular self-assembly structure characterized by an IL core of alternating cations and anions with a 2-EHL-rich shell or corona in the bulk, the geometry of which depends upon the anion structure and concentration. NR also reveals a solvent-rich interfacial corona layer. Their electro-responsive behavior, pertaining to the structuring and composition of the interfacial layers, is also influenced by the anion identity. [P6,6,6,14][BOB] exhibits distinct electroresponsiveness to applied potentials, suggesting an ion exchange behavior from cation-dominated to anion-rich. Conversely, [P6,6,6,14][BMB] and [P6,6,6,14][BScB] demonstrate minimal electroresponses across all studied potentials, related to their different dissociative and diffusive behavior. A mixed system is dominated by the least soluble IL but exhibits an increase in disorder. This work reveals the subtlety of anion architecture in tuning bulk and electro-interfacial properties, offering valuable molecular insights for deploying nonhalogenated ILs as additives in biodegradable lubricants and supercapacitors., We acknowledge the support of the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, ANSTO, and the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), in using the neutron research infrastructure used in this work via ACNS proposal P13958 on the BILBY SANS and proposal P8264 on the PLATYPUS NR instrument. We gratefully acknowledge Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), France, for access to SuperADAM (doi:10.5291/ILL-DATA.9-13-1006). We acknowledge the support of the Australian Government in provision of access to ANSTO's National Deuteration Facility which is partly funded through NCRIS. Prof. Oleg N. Antzutkin (Luleå University of Technology) is gratefully acknowledged for providing the ILs. The authors thank Prof. Thomas Norrby (KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Nynas AB) for insightful discussions on 2-EHL properties and applications. The authors would also like to thank Dr. Alexei Vorobiev for his support during the SuperADAM beamtime and Dr. Brando Adranno, Dr. Olivier Renier, Anthony Boudier, and Filip Mehler for their experimental support. Daniel Morris is thanked for valuable assistance performing SANS experiments. SL and GP also thank Dr. Adrian Iovan (KTH Nanolab) for his help with the preparation of the gold electrode via the electron beam evaporator. The Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (Project no. KAW2012.0078), the Swedish Research Council, VR (Project no. 2017-04080), the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (Project no. EM16-0013, "REFIT"), Vinnova (Project no. 2020-03801), and Villum Foundation (Villum Investigator awards to AVM) are acknowledged for their financial support. We also thank the Danish Agency for Science, Technology, and Innovation for funding the instrument center DanScatt (Grant no. 2021 7129-00006B).

With a rapid shift in our society to e-mobility, novel grease formulations for machine efficiency, reliability, and availability are even more important than ever. Greases are expected to provide low friction and noise while extending the machine service life. Whether the grease should be electrically conductive or not remains a subject of debate. The chapter discusses grease architecture and how to tune it in view of the latest and upcoming specification requirements. Selection strategies for base oils, thickeners, and additives are discussed. Integrating these components in the final formulation is a delicate process of balancing required properties that can be contradictory. Grease testing methods are addressed reflecting the need for complementary characterization of grease energy efficiency, conductivity, and protection against fretting. The arguments are made in connection to the representative transmission components., Part of ISBN 9780443140747, 9780443140754QC 20240820

Performance of Lithium Complex (LiX), Polyurea (PU), and Polypropylene (PP) greases in SKF6208 bearings subjected to driving cycle conditions for 28 days (equivalent to 23,000 km of electric vehicle operation) was studied by continuously measuring bearing friction torque and temperature. The energy dissipation was correlated to the differences in oil bleeding and rheology for the three greases. Evolution of the friction torque, friction torque hysteresis, and changes in grease rheology were dominated by the oil release property. The latter was determined by the thickener system and its particular response to the conditions imposed by the driving cycle. A quantitative estimate of the carbon footprint from using these greases to lubricate bearings under driving cycle conditions is also presented., QC 20240613

A series of 19 ionic liquids (ILs) based on phosphonium and imidazolium cations of varying alkyl-chain lengths with the orthoborate anions bis(oxalato)borate [BOB]−, bis(mandelato)borate, [BMB]− and bis(salicylato)borate, [BScB]−, are synthesized and studied using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). All measured systems display nanostructuring, with 1-methyl-3-n-alkyl imidazolium-orthoborates forming clearly bicontinuous L3 spongelike phases when the alkyl chains are longer than C6 (hexyl). L3 phases are fitted using the Teubner and Strey model, and diffusely-nanostructured systems are primarily fitted using the Ornstein-Zernicke correlation length model. Strongly-nanostructured systems have a strong dependence on the cation, with molecular architecture variation explored to determine the driving forces for self-assembly. The ability to form well-defined complex phases is effectively extinguished in several ways: methylation of the most acidic imidazolium ring proton, replacing the imidazolium 3-methyl group with a longer hydrocarbon chain, substitution of [BOB]− by [BMB]−, or exchanging the imidazolium for phosphonium systems, irrespective of phosphonium architecture. The results suggest there is only a small window of opportunity, in terms of molecular amphiphilicity and cation:anion volume matching, for the formation of stable extensive bicontinuous domains in pure bulk orthoborate-based ILs. Particularly important for self-assembly processes appear to be the ability to form H-bonding networks, which offer additional versatility in imidazolium systems., QC 20240703

The paper shows how grease thickener polarity affects performance of the typical powertrain components: gears and rolling element bearings. Greases based on a non-polar polypropylene thickener reduce friction losses (more than 20%) in high-speed deep groove ball bearings and provide a longer service life (more than 2 times) in highly loaded bevel gears, compared to the greases based on polar lithium thickeners. The electrification and sustainability trends have led to additional requirements to be addresses during grease design process: tunable electric conductivity and reduced environment footprint. The grease design challenges caused by the novel requirements and potential solutions are discussed., QC 20240419

Rolling element bearings, when subjected to small oscillating movements or vibrations, run the risk of being damaged by mechanisms such as Standstill Marks and False Brinelling. Damages resulting from these phenomena can decrease bearing fatigue life and increase wear-induced friction torque. These failures do not correlate well with standard life estimation approaches. Experimental studies play a crucial role in gaining knowledge in this area. The review integrates knowledge from experiments ranging from single contacts to laboratory and full-scale bearings in wind power and aerospace applications. The generalization is achieved using a non-dimensional amplitude parameter that relates rolling element travel during an oscillation to the Hertzian contact size. The review encompasses testing methods, procedures, reporting practices, result scaling, and application-specific considerations., QC 20230830

A statistical, energy-based approach is employed to experimentally characterize the ability of different greases to reduce friction when a point contact is subjected to repeated reciprocal displacements of smaller magnitude than the contact diameter. This approach allows the assessment of lubricant fretting performance with respect to its ability to remain within the contact and also its boundary lubrication properties. The results indicate that composition-dependent boundary lubrication properties of greases loaded with non-halogenated ionic liquids containing bis(oxalato)borate ([BOB]) and bis(mandelato)borate ([BMB]) anions can result in no detectable wear and low friction, even under conditions of moderately high pressures and where the original contact area is never fully uncovered. This discovery paves the way for the development of anti-fretting ionic greases., QC 20230621

We tested two types of ball bearings with an outer diameter of 750 mm to learn more about the challenges of oscillating motions for pitch bearings. The experimental conditions are derived from aero-elastic simulations, long-term wind speed measurements and a scaling method that considers loads and pitch angles. As a result, the parameters relevant for pitch bearings are represented appropriately, and the findings are transferable to other bearing sizes. For the tested parameter sets, severe wear occurred for over 90% of the exposed contact areas after 12 500 oscillating cycles. Decreasing the number of cycles to 1250 leads to a mix of exposed areas with 13% severe wear, 32% mild wear and 55% no wear, with no apparent pattern. The results demonstrate that a comparatively small amount of consecutive cycles can lead to severe wear. A new type of bearing tested showed less wear for the selected operating conditions., QC 20220602