Friction modifier additives play a crucial role in controlling friction and wear of lubricated tribological systems. Model experiments in a controllable atmosphere performed by integrating a tribometer into a system of in situ surface analytical methods in vacuum can give insights into the additives functionality. In this work, thin, well-defined layers of an organic friction modifier (OFM) are adsorbed onto an iron oxide surface by means of an effusion cell immediately before measuring friction and wear. The results show that contrary to the assumption that homogeneous layers are formed, this OFM accumulates in droplets on the surface. Droplet number and radius increase with evaporation time. In friction tests, the smallest friction values are found for a low coverage of droplets. For larger droplets, friction increases due to a capillary neck of additive that forms between the sliding surfaces and is dragged along during the friction test
