Ultralow friction of mesogenic fluid mixtures in tribological reciprocating systems

Tribological systems that are lubricated with mesogenic fluids may exhibit ultralow friction coefficients. This effect, which has not yet been well examined, has been reproducibly observed in a reciprocating friction system after a certain running-in period in different mixtures with two reference lubricants. Aim of the present work was to study the tribological behavior of different mesogenic fluids as pure lubricants and in mixtures with standard lubrication oils. Surface analysis was performed to correlate the tribological characteristics with surface features. A basic approach is described to explain the several effects, which lead to the observed results. A better understanding of the tribological behavior is essential for the development of efficient production methods and for the qualification of mesogenic lubricants for possible future applications.