Experimental Study on the Lubrication of Surfaces with an Oleophilic Strip

Two types of oelophilic strips were obtained on the lubrication track of a steel plate by arranging designed oleophobic layers and queues of comb-tooth-shaped grooves, respectively. Tests showed that the two oleophilic strips were capable of pinning oil droplets thereon, restricting the spread of oil to the outside of the lubrication track. Under conditions of limited oil supply, the tribo-pair by a steel ball against the surface with an oleophilic strip was measured, and the results showed that the oleophilic strips generated low friction and wear in the mixed lubrication regime. Those experimental results were attributed to the different surface forces applied to the oil on the boundary of the strip-shaped lipophilic area, so that the oil replenishment of the lubrication track was enhanced. Finally, some optical EHL tests were carried out to confirm the improvement of the oil supply by the oleophilic strip.