Synergistic Liquid-Solid Lubricant System

The objective of this program is to develop an advanced tribology system for the next generation of high-output, low heat rejection (LHR) diesel engines. Engines for the U.S. Army Future Combat System will operate at significantly higher temperatures than today's prototype LHR engines. Surfaces Research proposes a program to develop wear-resistant coatings and engine oils that each contain solid lubricants, to augment the wear protection and friction reduction afforded by liquid lubricants. We further propose to tailor the formulations of the coating materials, solid lubricants and liquid lubricants to work together in a synergistic manner. Our major emphasis in Phase I will be on development and evaluation of unique wear-resistant, self-lubricating coatings. The coatings will contain a superior Surfaces Research high-temperature solid lubricant. Both metal matrix and ceramic matrix will be investigated. We will determine the tribological interactions of the coatings with liquid lubricants, soluble antiwear additives and dispersed solid lubricant additives. We will also determine the need for improvements in dispersancy, to achieve stable high-temperature dispersions of solid lubricants in oil. We will demonstrate new sludge-dissolution additives and a new solid lubricant for dispersion in oil, in addition to the new coatings. BENEFITS: Advanced diesel engines will achieve large increases in fuel efficiency, durability, and trouble-free life, with targeted and lower levels of maintenance, by using the improved high-temperature coatings and lubricants. Commercial heavy-duty truck diesel engines will benefit from these advances as well as military diesel and automobile engines.