Tribological performance comparing different refrigerant-lubricant systems: The case of environmentally friendly HFO-1234yf refrigerant Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • We report on the tribological performance of gray cast iron with different lubricants, namely PAG (Polyalkylene glycol), POE (Polyolester), and Mineral oil, in the presence of environmentally friendly HFO-1234yf refrigerant. Two operating temperatures (24 C and 110 C) were used to investigate the mutual solubility of lubricant/refrigerant systems. PAG/HFO-1234yf exhibited better tribological performance compared to the other systems. The better performance was attributed to lower solubility of PAG in HFO-1234yf refrigerant, thus allowing the lubricant and refrigerant to preserve their unique properties. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy, plastic flow associated with adhesive wear was revealed for PAG/HFO-1234yf, where an anti-wear film over the surface was also identified. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy identified a fluorine enriched protective layer in the case of PAG/HFO-1234yf at 110 C. 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

published proceedings

  • TRIBOLOGY INTERNATIONAL

author list (cited authors)

  • Akram, M. W., Polychronopoulou, K., & Polycarpou, A. A.

citation count

  • 25

complete list of authors

  • Akram, M Wasim||Polychronopoulou, Kyriaki||Polycarpou, Andreas A

publication date

  • October 2014