This paper reports a comparative study on the tribological characteristics of base oils in four groups, synthetic esters, mineral oils, polymerized alpha olefins (PAOs), and poly alkylene glycols (PAGs), by means of viscosity, friction, and wear measurements. Friction coefficients for the lubricants in each group, measured with a pin-on-disk tribometer, are summarized in the form of Stribeck curves. Wear of the disk specimens due to rubbing in the interfaces lubricated with the tested oils is

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... aluated by surface topographic changes. The results indicate that for surfaces of similar roughness, viscosity has the predominant influences on the friction and wear-protection properties of these lubricants.