EFFECT OF FATTY ACID CONCENTRATION IN THE WORKING FLUID OF MACHINE HYDRAULIC DRIVES ON BOUNDARY LUBRICATING FILM FORMATION

An analysis of research regarding the effect of fatty acid additives on enhancing the anti-wear properties of working fluids was conducted. The characteristics and molecular state of the additive within the oil were identified as factors influencing the formation of a boundary lubricating film on friction surfaces. A method for intensifying additive adsorption by subjecting the working fluid to an electric field was proposed. A methodology was developed to experimentally investigate how the concentration of surfactant molecules – specifically the fatty acids under study – affects the formation of a lubricating layer on the friction surfaces of machinery hydraulic drives. Experimental studies were carried out to examine the effect of stearic and oleic acid concentrations on changes in boundary lubricating film thickness when the working fluid undergoes electrostatic treatment. A non-linear relationship between lubricating film thickness and additive concentration was established, and the optimal concentrations of stearic and oleic acids – yielding the maximum boundary lubricating film thickness – were determined.