An experimental study of ceramic lubrication by tribopolymerization at high loads and high speeds is presented. One condensation monomer -- C₃₆ dimer acid/ethylene glycol monoester -- and five addition monomers, i.e., diallyl phthalate, lauryl methacrylate, vinyl acetate, methyl-2-acrylamido-2-methoxy acetate, and vinyl octadecyl ether, were used at 1 wt. % concentrations in hexadecane with alumina on alumina pin-on-disk testing. A two by two matrix of load and speed conditions was used to determine the effects of load and speed on wear reduction.

At low speeds, the monomers showed significant wear reductions, from 37 percent up to 98 percent, compared to pure hexadecane lubrication. Changes in load at low speed had mixed effects dependent on the monomer. At high speeds, the monomers did not decrease wear; in some cases wear increased.

ESEM surface studies show a relationship between the anti-wear effectiveness and the consistency of a formed wear debris layer on the alumina surface. The surface films of wear debris and the formed polymeric products may reduce wear by providing protection to the sliding surfaces.

Proposed wear mechanisms and a discussion of possible speed-wear interactions are presented with recommendations for continued tribological testing.