Use of monomolecular protective film in friction units of agricultural machinery.

Machinery and equipment used in farm production is experiencing serious stress caused by both weather factors and working conditions. Their faultless operation depends on the reliability of the moving units and mechanisms. The latter may be increased through the use of lubricants. The paper proposes to use fluorinated surfactants as an additive to lubricants. Studies have shown that they form a monomolecular protective film with a thickness of 3 ... 6 nm on the surface of friction units, which does not affect the structure and hardness of the metal and, at the same time, reduces the wear rate and the friction factor. The method of applying surfactants to the metal surface affects the uniformity of oil film distribution and oil absorption. It has been found that the use of such additives increases the antifriction and wear-preventive properties of lubricants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]