Lubricating greases based on the novel ionic liquids

Purpose and goal

The project objectives were to investigate possibilities to design electrically conductive lubricating greases based on the novel ionic liquids; characterize their tribological properties such as friction and wear; and provide data about ionic liquid based greases to industry. The objectives have been achieved.

Results and expected effects

The main result of the project is the fundamental and practical knowledge on how to design electrically conductive high performance greases based on ionic liquids and how such greases decrease energy losses and prolong service life of machine components. Our ionic greases are electrically conductive and provide enhanced tribological performance. It is expected that such characteristics will make them indispensable for many industrial applications, especially in electric machinery or in applications where significant static electricity can be generated.

Approach and implementation

Project activities included synthesis of ionic liquids, manufacturing of grease samples, and their tribological studies. A large amount of ionic liquids was obtained to manufacture enough grease for the tests. During the design process many issues related to novel grease manufacturing were identified. Some of them were resolved but some of them need further research to be solved. KTH was responsible for the tribological studies and feedback to LTU which was responsible for the synthesis of ionic liquids. Axel Christiersson AB helped us with grease manufacturing.