Atmosphere study on the thermal decomposition behavior of delubrication aiding additives

In the present study, the effect of delubrication aiding additives on the thermal decomposition behavior was investigated. Such additives have been introduced in order to reduce stain formation caused by soot particles. Therefore, the atmosphere during the heat treatment of FeCuC components with Kenolube lubricant and a clean burn additive has been monitored by in-situ FTIR atmosphere analysis directly in the furnace. It was found, that delubrication aids reduce the decomposition into stable species like aromatic compounds. Furthermore, the formation of CO, CO2 and CH4 was increased considerably. In comparison to compacts without delubrication aid, the maximum peak temperatures of the gas evolution does not change considerably. However, with such an additive further peaks are visible. In particular, the bands caused by CO2 and alkene show additional peaks at lower temperatures. As a conclusion it is shown, that delubrication aids lead to improved lubricant decomposition as well as intensified soot burn-off.