Data_Sheet_1_Non-halogenated Ionic Liquid Dramatically Enhances Tribological Performance of Biodegradable Oils.pdf RohlmannPatrick MunavirovBulat FuróIstván AntzutkinOleg RutlandMark William GlavatskihSergei 2019 <p>It is demonstrated that a phosphonium orthoborate ionic liquid may serve as a wear reducing additive in biodegradable oils at steel-steel surfaces in the boundary lubrication regime. Tribological tests were performed in a ball-on-three plate configuration. A set of surface characterization techniques—SEM/EDS, FIB and white light interferometry were used to characterize surfaces following the tribotests and to observe the formation of any tribofilms. <sup>11</sup>B NMR was used to follow changes in the composition of the ionic-liquid-oil blends and to identify boron-containing decomposition products after the tribotests. The ionic liquid reduces the wear of steel surfaces by up to 92% compared to the neat oil at 90°C; it is shown that the reduction in wear can be correlated with the formation of boron enriched patches in the boundary films.</p>