Friction-triggered self-reactive deep eutectic solvents for tunable lubrication under an ultra-heavy load through in situ formation of an ultra-thick multi-gradient tribofilm

Key Points

• To develop lubricants with self-adaptability and tunable interface behavior for extreme mechanical conditions.
• Developed friction-triggered self-reactive deep eutectic solvents
• Assessed lubrication performance under ultra-heavy loads
• Analyzed in situ formation of multi-gradient tribofilms
• Achieved tunable lubrication properties
• Enhanced self-adaptability under severe conditions
• Formed ultra-thick tribofilms for improved durability