Research Initiation: Reaction Pathways in Lubricant Degradation

The chemical reaction pathways which determine lubricant degradation during the later stages of lubricant deterioration will be followed by analytical techniques. These reactions include oxidation, polymerization, and sludge formation. The results will be linked together in a mathematical model which can predict lubricant deterioration as it is determined by operational and environmental parameters. An attempt will be made to also include actual lubricant performance data in the model, in the hope that actual performance of tribosystems can then be predicted. The knowledge developed in this study can serve as basis for lubricant design and development for severe applications.