Microtribology, squeeze, and friction of the colloidal layer

Lubricant films containing colloidal overbased calcium salts have particular effects on detergency and on the wear process. The mechanical properties of such boundary films are very dependent on the process conditions, and are essentially a result of physico‐chemical transformations of the colloid. Three types of films were compared: a film obtained by the drying of the base solvent, a film due to the compaction of the colloid between two steel surfaces, and a friction film obtained with this type of lubricant. Adsorption, compaction, and shear transformations induce a solid film. The pressure effect on the frictional behaviour of these colloidal films has been investigated using a surface force apparatus for low contact pressure (104 to 106 Pa), and using tribometers supporting heavy loads for the analysis of the high pressure domain. Above a critical pressure, evaluated at 106 Pa, the colloidal film does not flow, but forms a compacted mattress sliding on the surface plane and squeezing a molecular layer of lubricant.