Tribochemistry of monomolecular lubricant films of ethanolamine oligomers

The aim of present study was to find out the influence of oxygen and nitrogen containing ethanolamine oligomers on the tribological behavior. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to obtain insight into the molecular mechanisms leading to the macroscopic lubricity. Monomolecular lubricant films were deposited onto ultra thin copper films sputtered onto silicon wafers. Surfaces covered with the three ethanolamine oligomers were investigated by XPS before and after tribological tests, performed with the translatorily oscillating test machine and Falex micro-tribometer. The structure of the molecular film is elucidated using angular resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with a prototype preparation chamber, permitting the transfer of samples from liquid to the analysis chamber under Helium protective gas preventing exposure to ambient conditions. Solutions with a concentration of 250 ppm of the respective ethanolamine oligomers in double distilled water were transferred into the adsorption device, which is an extension of the spectrometer. Results show that compounds bond to copper and steel surface by N atom present in ammonia group and hydroxyl group are oriented on the top layer of tribofilm, this highest group influence lubricity properties.