The friction and wear behavior of 2-(n-alkyldithio)-benzimidazole as additives in liquid paraffin

Three 2-(n-alkyldithio)-benzimidazoles were synthesized. The friction and w ear behavior of the synthetic compounds as additives in liquid paraffin wer e examined with a four-ball machine, with emphasis on revealing the relatio nship between the chain length of the additive and the friction-reducing ab ility and lubricating mechanism of the additives. The film formed by the ad ditive during the sliding process was investigated by using X-ray photoelec tron spectroscopy. It was found that the synthetic compounds as additives i n liquid paraffin had good antiwear performance. The longer the chain lengt h of the synthetic compound, the more stable or less volatile is the compou nd and the more effective it is in improving wear resistance.