Chemistry and Technology of Lubricants

Book excerpt: The use of lubricants began in ancient times and has developed into a major international business through the need to lubricate machines of increasing complexity. The impetus for lubricant development has arisen from need, so lubricating practice has preceded an understanding of the scientific principles. This is not surprising as the scientific basis of the technology is, by nature, highly complex and interdisciplinary. However, we believe that the understanding of lubricant phenomena will continue to be developed at a molecular level to meet future challenges. These challenges will include the control of emissions from internal combustion engines, the reduction of friction and wear in and continuing improvements to lubricant performance and machinery, life-time. More recently, there has been an increased understanding of the chemical aspects of lubrication, which has complemented the knowledge and understanding gained through studies dealing with physics and engineering. This book aims to bring together this chemical information and present it in a practical way. It is written by chemists who are authorities in the various specialisations within the lubricating industry, and is intended to be of interest to chemists who may already be working in the lubricating industry or in academia, and who are seeking a chemist's view of lubrication. It will also be of benefit to engineers and technologists familiar with the industry who require a more fundamental understanding of lubricants.