Friction and wear behavior of CF/PTFE composites lubricated by choline chloride ionic liquids

The use of ionic liquids (ILs) as lubricants has received increasing attention in recent years. The use of ILs, however, is limited by the corrosion problem and their potential toxic property. Here we present the results of our initial study on the tribological properties of carbon fiber (CF)-filled polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites, which have an excellent chemical resistance property, lubricated by choline chloride ILs. The difference between choline chloride ILs and water and hydraulic oil as lubricants was studied at the same time, as was the effect of the anion on the lubricating property of choline chloride ILs. The worn surface and transfer film of CF/PTFE composites were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Our results indicate that the lubricating property of choline chloride ILs is much better than that of water and hydraulic oil. The friction coefficient and wear rate of CF/PTFE composites lubricated with ILs were approximately 60 and 50 % lower than those under the dry friction condition. Among the three kinds of ILs tested, the best tribological properties of the CF/PTFE composites were found for those sliding in the mixture of 1,2-propanediol and choline chloride. The worn surface and transfer film of CF/PTFE composites were also much smoother than those under the dry friction, water lubrication, and hydraulic oil lubrication conditions.