Tribological Behavior of Self-Mated Al Lubricated by Minimal Quantity Ionic Liquid under Electrical Contact

The tribological behaviors of self-mated Al under electrical contact in both dry sliding and ionic liquid lubricated conditions were investigated. In dry sliding,seizure of self-mated Al was observed due to strong adhesion. By using minimal quantity ionic liquid L-P106 in the sliding contact,the friction coefficient of self-mated Al was as low as 0.1. Results indicate that the lubricating regime is boundary lubrication with or without current. The friction coefficient of self-mated Al under current-carrying was higher than that without current. The transition from moderate wear to severe wear at higher speeds (>0.79 m/s) was observed. Erosive wear induced by current aggravated the wear of self-mated Al.