A study on tribological behaviours of ZDDP in polymer thickened lubricating greases

Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate (ZDDP) is a well-known multifunctional additive for soap based lubricating greases. Polymers are being studied for their performance as lubricating grease thickeners and rheology modifiers. In this work the tribological study of ZDDP was carried out in polypropylene (PP), maleated polypropylene (mPP) and linear low density polyethylene (PE) thickened lubricating greases. Performance of lithium grease was taken as a reference. The tribological properties were evaluated using a four ball tester for EP properties and Optimol SRV-III machine for coefficient of friction. The mechanism of action of ZDDP in polymer greases was established through analysis of the worn surface of steel balls with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). The results show that the performance of ZDDP depends on the thickener system. The antiwear and EP property exhibited by ZDDP varies from polymer to polymer. Poor performance was observed with PP type thickener whereas performance in PE and lithium grease was comparable. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.