Film-Forming Additives – Direct and Indirect Ways to Reduce Friction

This paper reviews the current understanding of lubricated contacts and the origins of friction in terms of the Stribeck curve. It discusses the various ways that lubricant additives can modify friction in thin film lubricated contacts, examining both the nature and properties of the films formed by these additives, as revealed by film thickness measurements, and their consequent effect on the Stribeck friction curve.