Machine elements rely on high performance lubricants to minimize friction and wear under harsh operation conditions. Traditionally, such lubricants are designed for steel surfaces; thus, complications may arise when they are used with modern lightweight materials and wear-resistant coatings. What is more, conventional lubricant formulations are often mineral-oil-based, which makes them unsuitable for sustainable engineering technologies.

Recent results, not least from the laboratories of the applicants, indicate that some ionic liquids (ILs) are attractive alternatives to conventional lubricants. Due to a large number of possible ion combinations, these liquid salts show great potential to enable advanced lubricant performance at reduced environmental impact. However, little is known about IL lubrication mechanisms and IL physiochemical properties under high shear rates and pressures.

To unravel the lubricating secrets of ILs, the I-LEAP project combines the competences of a unique constellation of leading researchers from the fields of chemistry, physics and engineering. We anticipate that this project has the potential to spawn patents and a spinoff company that will provide industry with lubrication solutions, both based on neat ILs and IL blends with biodegradable base oils.