Tribopolymerization as an anti-wear mechanism. Progress report

During the first phase of this project, significant progress was made in several of the connected issues that make up the objectives of this grant. The central thrust or theme of this work under the DOE/ERIP grant is to carry out prototype testing of the concept of tribopolymerization as a novel mechanism of boundary lubrication--under more severe, high-load, high-speed conditions that are most likely to exist in field applications. The authors see this as an important step in attracting industries to license and market the results of this new technology. In addition, they have began to explore other potential, energy-saving applications of the concept of tribopolymerization. These exploratory studies are quite promising; they are likely to open new doors in industrial applications. To carry out the experimental part of this program, a new device has been built. Highlights of these and other developments are given