A Comparative Study of Inhibited Lubricants for Dry Circuits Sliding Contacts

The tribology of boundary lubricated dry circuit, sliding contacts is becoming increasingly complex as the density of electronic packaging increases. Occasionally, the connector designs are further complicated by material modification or imposed system increases in thermal exposure. One such material change which exposed copperberyllium alloy (C17200) to an uninhibited contact lubricant resulted in autocatalytic oxidation and thermal degradation of the refined mineral oil in 72 h. This prompted a study of natural and synthetic lubricants whose formulation could provide adequate inhibition to oxidation, thermal decomposition, and corrosion with minimal friction and wear. The test methods used in the screening process are discussed. The polyol ester oils proved superior for the intended applications.