Abstract
The failure of mechanical components in motion is attributed to corrosion characteristics of solid film lubricants, hydraulic fluids and greases under the stringent operating conditions that constitute the performance regime of naval air vehicles. The salt laden moist air and/or seawater, which constitute the major operating environment, and the rubbing and sliding motion in moving components create a cause and effect relationship between the fluid and contact surface in a manner that both corrosion and wear accelerate. Studies have shown that corrosion and wear processes work simultaneously and conjointly, and any method that inhibits corrosion controls wear as well. Inhibition of corrosion is synergistic with reduction in wear. This paper addresses the mechanistic consideration of both corrosion and wear, and shows how a design approach to tailor-make lubricants has been successful in reducing corrosion and wear. It shows examples of few additives that were synthesized with corrosion and wear reduction mechanisms in mind. The compounds like Schiff bases, phthalocyanines, porphyrins, and certain metal oxides and sulfides that mimic planarity and/or have stacked lamellar structure like that of graphite, have shown a significant reduction in wear while serving as good corrosion inhibitors.
