Chemisorption of Organic Compounds on a Clean Aluminum Surface Prepared by Cutting Under High Vacuum

Abstract

The chemisorption of organic compounds as model compounds of lubrication additives has been studied at room temperature on a clean aluminum surface which was prepared by cutting under high-vacuum conditions. Hydrocarbons such as n-hexane, butene, and cyclohexene did not adsorb, but alkyl halides, organic acid, and alcohols adsorbed on the clean aluminum surface. The adsorption activity was monitored with a quadrupole mass spectrometer and was affected by cutting conditions. The rate of adsorption was proportional to the cutting speed. The chemisorption took place not only during but also after the cutting. From the kinetic considerations, it has been found that the activity was mainly due to the newly formed aluminum surface. The reactivity sequence of the organic compounds was as follows; alkyl halides > alcohols > organic acid >> alkane, alkene.