Surface chemistry of wet clutch influenced by water contamination in automatic transmission fluids. (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fatima, Nowshir; Minami, Ichiro; Holmgren, Allan; Marklund, Pär; Larsson, Roland
• Is Part Of: Tribology international. Volume 96(2016)
• Page Start: 395
• Page End: 401
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Wet clutches -- Water contamination -- Lubricant additive -- Surface chemical analysis; Tribology -- Periodicals; 621.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2015.04.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-679X

Abstract

Abstract: Lubricated friction interfaces used for wet clutches produce different friction behaviours depending on the lubricant conditions. Usually the lubricant conditions vary for water contamination in automatic transmission fluid (ATF). The presence of water retards the ATF performance by increasing the friction and can influence the deterioration of the clutch plates. Water as a polar contaminant can change the absorbability of the surface active additives, which might cause the characteristic friction behaviour. The aim of this paper is to verify the surface chemistry of tribotested standard friction interfaces lubricated with water contaminated commercial ATF (DEXRON ® VI). The evidences of the influence of water on ATF performances were shown by surface analyses. Highlights: Surface sensitive techniques are applied to investigate the clutch surface. Presence of formula groups is different for the differences in adsorption. Variation in the polar additive adsorption relates to presence of water. Presence of iron or iron oxides indicates increased steel plate wear. Change in the clutch surface explains the friction rise for water in ATF.