Electrical Conductivity of Ionic Liquids as Lubricating Grease

Ionic liquid grease were prepared using PAO and PAG as base oil, PTFE as thickening agent, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluoroborate (LB104), and 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazollium hexafluoroborate (LB106) ionic liquid as additive, respectively. The morphologies of worn surfaces of the bronzed discs were examined using a scanning electron microscope. The conductivity was measured using Lovibond EC110 conductive instrument, and converted into volume resistivity. The results show that in comparison with the commercial conductive grease, the ionic liquid grease had not only good lubricating properties but also good electrical conductivity. These results of ionic liquids grease provided theoretical and technical support for electrical equipments applications.