Editorial

Citation

(2002), "Editorial", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 54 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.2002.01854daa.001

Editorial

In this issue we are pleased to present four papers on very different subjects.

Doctor Maleque and Professor Masjuki from the University of Malaya describe their experimental work on the use of palm oil methyl ester as an anti wear additive in mineral oil. Their objective was to increase our understanding of the effect of a fatty acid type of polar lubricants on the wear and frictional characteristics of two iron components in moving contact. The results of their research are extremely interesting and suggest that there is an optimum percentage of fatty acid to achieve maximum wear reduction. I think that this type of work may have wider implications. Does it help us, for example, to understand the value of the soap in grease as a "lubricant?"

Perhaps these researchers' methods may help to differentiate between the fatty acids currently found in grease soaps from a wear reduction point of view. It seems that often at present grease makers traditionally use products for manufacturing techniques rather than because of the resultant performance of the soap itself as a lubricant in addition to merely being considered to be an oil carrier.

Doctor Rapoport and colleagues from the Holon Academic Institute of Technology in Israel present their work on the mechanism of the friction of fullerenes. Traditionally solid lubricants such as MOS2 are used as oil and grease additives as their relatively low inter-layer bond strength provides wear protection and low friction under some operating conditions. More recent research, however, has shown that inorganic fullerene-like materials of metal dichalcogenide WS2 and MOS2 when held in a suitable matrix can outperform the traditional material. The practical problem is one of fullerene retention and supply to the lubrication site. This work describes experimental techniques used to further the understanding of the frictional characteristics of the inorganic fullerenes.

Cargill Inc. is a significant supplier of "environmentally friendly" lubricating oils and their research and development manager, Professor Kodali describes ester-based lubricants produced from natural oils. A description of the current situation is provided together with information on performance achieved particularly in regard to the Caterpillar requirement.

The papers from Cargill and Holon were presented earlier this year at the 13th International Colloquium Tribology held at Technische Akademie Esslingen, Germany. Also at this very successful event Professor Rohr of Miracema-Nuodex Industria Quimica Ltda, gave a very interesting update on the increasing future potential use of bismuth. His company is of course a major player in the bismuth field and his presentation included in this issue should be of general interest, but will be of particular value to lubricant formulators.

I hope that you will find something to interest or provoke thought in this issue. Let me know your views or ideas for future items. All your comments will be valuable.

International Tribology Council

Readers are reminded that they can read the latest ITC Information Sheet by visiting the Web site: www.itctribology.org This site will also provide access to previous information sheets.