Adsorption and onset of lubrication by a double-chained cationic surfactant on silica surfaces

In the context of glass fiber manufacturing the onset of lubrication by a C18 double-chained cationic surfactant has been investigated at high normal contact pressures. Comparison with adsorption kinetics demonstrates that lubrication is not directly connected to the surfactant surface excess but originates from the transition to a defect-free bilayer which generates limited dissipation. The impact of ionic strength and shear rate has also been studied.