The mechanism of the antifriction action of engine oil additives remains unclear. I n order to elucidate this, tribological tests of various additives were carried out using friction machines and a multi-cylinder engine. Investigation of the friction surfaces was carried out using Auger electron spectroscopy. Comparative tests revealed compounds capable of increasing the thermal stability of the lubricating layers and decreasing the friction coefficient over a wide range of temperatures. An interrelation was established between the efficiency of the antifriction action of additives and their influence on the composition and thickness of the surface layers. The most effective antifriction action is due to the localisation of tribochemicat processes of formation of secondary structures in thinner surface layers. The results obtained can explain the behaviour of zinc and molybdenum dithiophosphates and dithiocarbamates, and detergents of different composition and basicity, and their influence on the antifriction properties of engine oils.Abstract additives, antifriction action, surface layers, secondary structures, overbased detergents Keywords ~
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