Investigations on lubricity and surface properties of selected perfluoropolyether oils

In the paper the investigative results of lubricity and surface properties for four synthetic perfluoropolyether (PFPE) oils, comparing with the high quality gear oil Mobilube 1SHC 75W-90 and two base oils PAO-6 and SN-650, are discussed. The goal of the research was to identify anti-wear and anti-seizing properties of PFPE oils correlation with their surface-energetic and viscosity-temperature properties. Modern test equipment was used for perfomed research. The following apparatuses were used: KSV Sigma 701 and KSV CAM 100 made in Finland, AMVn Anton Paar made in Austria, and T-02 four-ball apparatus made in Poland. Measurement of density, surface tension and wetting angle were done with the use of KSV Sigma 701 apparatus, according to its instruction manual. The static wetting angle on the real surface of a steel plate was determined with the use of KSV CAM 100 apparatus. The dynamic viscosity of the tested compounds was determined with the use of AMVn microviscometer. The tests of the lubricity properties of the synthetic oils and comparative liquids were perfomed with the use T-02 four-ball tester. The investigative results showed that PFPE oils can be used particularly in hydrodynamic and elastohydrodynamic lubrication.