Characterization of tribofilms derived from zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate and serpentine by X-ray absorption spectroscopy

The tribological performance of serpentine in combination with ZDDP as additive for base oil was investigated by a Plint high frequency friction tester at room temperature and 100 °C. The tribofilms formed by serpentine and ZDDP were analyzed using the scanning electron microscopy technique equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. X-ray absorption spectroscopy at phosphorus K- and L3,2-edges, sulfur K- and L3,2-edges, silicon K-edge, magnesium K-edge, oxygen K-edge, and zinc L3,2-edge were recorded to determine the chemistry of the tribofilms. It is found that a combination of serpentine with ZDDP helps reduce the friction of oil blend and exhibits better antiwear properties than base oil.