Tribological Research of Biodegradable Lubricants for Friction Units of Machines and Mechanisms: Current State of Research

At present, tribological studies are dominated by empirical and statistical approaches. Regardless of the availability of some standardized methodologies and devices, unique designs, taking into account the variety of conditions affecting friction and wear mechanisms, are being developed. This circumstance makes it difficult to analyze and compare the experimental results of individual authors. The complexity of creating a unified approach in tribology is due to the mutual influence, change and distribution of contact structures and parameters in the friction process, as well as the difficulty of measuring them in the friction process itself. The objectives of this study are: to identify the main mechanisms and patterns of friction and wear of contact systems lubricated with vegetable oils and vegetable-mineral compositions, with new synthesized antifriction and anti-slip additives, and to identify and scientifically establish opportunities for triggering self-organizing processes in contact that have an effect low friction and wear, and especially friction without wear. This article presents an initial overview of the current state of research in the field of the use of biodegradable lubricants for friction units of machines and mechanisms. It was concluded that the task of developing a lubricant with simultaneously high tribological characteristics, resistance to operational influences, extremely low toxicity, and high biodegradability remains urgent to this day.