Chemical Characterization of Fresh and Used ATF of Gearbox Via FTIR Spectroscopy.

Abstract:

Automatic transmission (AT) systems are widely recognized for enhancing vehicle safety, comfort, reliability, and overall driving performance. During regular operation, the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) within the gearbox undergoes various physical and chemical changes. Some constituents of ATF—especially in its used state—pose potential risks to public health and the environment. This study aims to collect ATF samples from the gearbox of a bus engine and analyze them using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. FTIR was utilized to characterize the chemical composition of both fresh and used ATF samples. Absorption bands in the 1704–1603 cm⁻¹ region were attributed to carbonyl functional groups, while peaks at 869, 813, and 1603 cm⁻¹ corresponded to newly formed aromatic hydrocarbons, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The FTIR spectra of the used ATF revealed the presence of alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones, suggesting significant chemical and biological degradation. Key words: Automatic transmission fluid (ATF), Gearbox, FTIR.