Proyecto I+D
Project PID2021-122169NB-I00 Tribeco
Eco-challenges in Tribology: new materials, lubricants and surfaces
Of National scope. With a Public character. It has been granted under a regime of Competitive.
This research project focuses on the development of novel lubricants and bio-materials that are not only environmentally friendly but also sustainable. The research is based on green tribology principles which are aimed at ensuring limited impact on the environment and human health. The tribological studies will be drawn towards the use of new lubricants and additives for bio-plastic materials with low toxicity and high biodegradability, or through the use of new water-based lubricants. Following our broad previous experience with the use of protic ionic liquids (PIL) as lubricants or additives for new lubricants, this proposal will demonstrate the versatility and the tribological performance of these novel lubricants and bio-plastic materials. The unique properties of ionic liquids such as their very low volatility, low vapour pressure, high chemical and thermal stability, range of viscosity and low flammability, make them subjects of considerable industrial attention in the field of tribology. In this project, the novel lubricants and additives will be based on the use of protic ionic liquids (PIL) and deep eutectic solvents (DES). The work plan focuses on the systematic study of ethanolamines and fatty acid derivatives as a kind of PIL, which will be tested as neat lubricant and as additives in water systems, or used to enhance the tribological properties in bio-plastic such as polylactic acid (PLA). Moreover, PIL will be used to modify the surface of nanophase
