Modification of boundary lubrication by oil-soluble friction modifier additives

The molecular-level function of model and commercial friction modi. er additives in lubricants of the type used at the wet clutch interface in automatic transmissions has been studied using a surface forces apparatus (SFA) modified for oscillatory shear. The nanorheological properties of tetradecane with and without a model friction modi. er additive (1-hexadecylamine) were examined in the boundary lubrication regime and compared to a fully-formulated automatic transmission fluid (ATF). 1-Hexadecylamine adsorbed as a single layer on the sliding surfaces, reduced the static frictional force and the limiting shear stress, and eliminated the stick-slip transition that exists in pure tetradecane. The ATF, which contains commercial-grade friction modifiers, showed nanorheological properties similar to those observed for tetradecane containing 0.1-0.2wt% 1-hexadecylamine.