Effect of MWCNTs/Talc powder nanoparticles on the tribological and thermal conductivity performance of calcium grease

2019 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Mobasher ◽  
Alaa Khalil ◽  
Medhat Khashaba ◽  
Tarek Osman

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the influence of nanoparticles as an additive on the tribological properties of calcium grease. Design/methodology/approach The nano additives in this research are with different concentration of multi carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Talc powder (1, 2, 3, 3 and 5 per cent). The ratio of MWCNTs to Talc powder is 1:1. The tribological properties of hyper MWCNTs/Talc powder to calcium grease were evaluated using a pin-on-disk wear testing. The results show that the nano additives MWCNTs/Talc to calcium grease exhibit good performance in anti-wear and friction reduction. The action mechanism was estimated through analysis of the worm surface with x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. Findings The result indicates that boundary film mainly composed of MWCNT and Talc powder, and other organic compound was formed on the worm surface during the friction test. In addition, the wear rate and coefficient of friction of nanogreases have shown excellent improvement about 80.62 and 63.44 per cent, respectively, at 4 Wt.% of MWCNTs/Talc powder. Moreover, the thermal conductivity of nanogrease increased about 51.72 per cent. Originality/value This study describes the inexpensive and simple fabrication of nanogrease for improving properties of lubricants, which improve power efficiency and extend lifetimes of mechanical equipment.

2018 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 512-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alaa Mohamed ◽  
Mohamed Hamdy ◽  
Mohamed Bayoumi ◽  
Tarek Osman

Purpose To enhance the tribological properties of nanogrease, one of the new technologies was used to synthesize a nanogrease having carbon nanotubes (CNTs) nanoparticles (NPs) with different concentrations. The microstructures of the synthesized NPs were characterized and evaluated by x-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Tribological properties of the nanogrease were evaluated using a four-ball tester. The worn surface of four steel balls was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Design/methodology/approach Grease was dissolved in chloroform (10 Wt.%), at 25 °C for 1 h. In parallel, functionalized CNTs with different volume concentrations (0.5, 1, 2 and 3 Wt.%) were dispersed in N, N-dimethylformamide. The mixture was stirred for 15 min and then sonicated (40 kHz, 150 W) for 30 min. After that, the mixture was added to the grease solution and magnetically stirred for 15 min and then sonicated for 2 h. Findings The results suggested that CNTs can enhance the antiwear and friction properties of nanogrease at 0.5 Wt.% CNTs to about 57 and 48 per cent, respectively. In addition, the weld load of the base oil containing 0.5 Wt.% CNTs was improved by 17 per cent compared with base grease. Originality/value This work describes the inexpensive and simple fabrication of nanogrease for improving the properties of lubricants, which improve power efficiency and extend lifetimes of mechanical equipment.


2017 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 559-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alaa Mohamed ◽  
Mohamed Hamdy ◽  
Mohamed Bayoumi ◽  
Tarek Osman

Purpose This work describes the fabrication of composite nanogrease based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as an additive at different volume concentrations 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 Wt.% and investigates the correlation between CNTs and grease rheological behaviour. In addition, study the influence of shear thinning rate at various temperatures and investigates the thermal conductivity of nanogrease. The results demonstrated that grease behaves like a Newtonian viscoelastic material with a narrow linear domain. The thermal conductivity of nanogrease was enhanced by about 31.58 per cent, and the thermal and mechanical stabilities improved. Moreover, the apparent viscosity and dropping point increased by about 93 and 27 per cent, respectively. Design/methodology/approach Grease was dissolved in chloroform (10 Wt.%), at 25°C for 1 h. In parallel, functionalized CNTs with different volume concentrations (0.5, 1, 2 and 3 Wt.%) were dispersed in N,N-dimethylformamide; the dispersion was stirred for 15 min, and then sonicated (40 kHz, 150 W) for 30 min. Grease solution was then added to the CNTs. The nanofluid was magnetically stirred for 15 min and then sonicated for 2 h. This ensured uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in the base fluid. Findings Inexpensive and simple fabrication of nanogrease. Thermal conductivity of nanogrease was typically enhanced compared to other reported studies. Apparent viscosity and dropping point increases with the increase the volume concentration. Originality/value This work describes the inexpensive and simple fabrication of nanogrease for improving properties of lubricants, which improve power efficiency and extend lifetimes of mechanical equipment.


2018 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 126-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuwen Wang ◽  
Feiyan Yan ◽  
Ao Chen

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the tribological effects of laser surface texturing (LST) and residual stress on functional surfaces. Design/methodology/approach Three different surface textures (circular dimple, elliptical dimple and groove) with two different textured area ratios (10 and 20 per cent) are designed and fabricated by a Picosecond Nd YAG Laser machine. The friction and wear performance of textured specimens is tested using a UMT-2 friction and wear testing machine in mixed lubrication. Findings Test results show that elliptical dimples exhibit the best performance in wear resistance, circular dimples in friction reduction and grooves in stabilization of friction. The surfaces with larger textured area density exhibit better performance in both friction reduction and wear resistance. The improved performance of LST is the coupled effect of surface texture and residual stress. Originality/value The findings of this study may provide guidance for optimal design of functional surface textures in reciprocating sliding contacts under mixed or hydrodynamic lubrication, which can be used in automotive and other industrial applications.


2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang Dong ◽  
Jianlin Sun ◽  
Zixuan Cheng ◽  
Yuqing Hou

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to synthesize a microemulsion and investigate its tribological properties as lubricant. Magnesium alloy warm rolling experiments were conducted. Surface morphology was observed and wear form was summarized. The composition of surface residues was analyzed, which sheds light on the lubrication mechanism of microemulsion. Design/methodology/approach A microemulsion was prepared with a proper amount of oil, surfactant, cosurfactant, water and other additives for magnesium alloy strip warm rolling. Tribological properties, such as maximum non-seizure load (PB), friction coefficient (μ) and wear scar diameter (D) of the microemulsion were measured and compared with those of emulsion and rolling oil on an MR-10A four-ball tribotester. The extreme pressure anti-wear coefficients (O) were calculated and compared. Warm rolling experiments were carried out on a Ф 170/400 × 300 mm four-high rolling mill at 240°C to compare the finish rolling thickness and surface quality of rolled AZ31B magnesium alloy strip under four lubrication states, namely, no lubrication, rolling oil, microemulsion and emulsion. The surface morphology after warm rolling was observed with confocal laser scanning microscope and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The composition of surface residues was analyzed with energy dispersive spectrometry and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Findings Surface morphology indicated that pitting wear, adhesive wear and ploughing wear were three main forms of wear in magnesium alloy warm rolling. Microemulsion had excellent lubrication properties with less residual oil remaining. Two types of adsorption layers formed on magnesium alloy strip surface were responsible for lubrication properties. MgSO4 and magnesium stearate in the reaction layer played a key role in anti-wear and friction-reduction in warm rolling. Originality/value The study is original and gives valuable information on lubrication mechanism of microemulsion in warm rolling of magnesium alloy strips.


2013 ◽  
Vol 785-786 ◽  
pp. 864-871
Author(s):  
Shu Xiao ◽  
Xi Yun Cheng ◽  
De Gui Ma

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was introduced into Ni60/Al2O3coating by flame spraying. The effect of adding CNTs on the tribological properties of the coating was studied by varying the CNTs content as 0.0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 wt% in the Ni60/Al2O3powders. The microhardness tester was used to measure the microhardness of the coating. Wear tests were performed on a pin-on-disk tribometer, to evaluate the tribological properties of the Ni60/Al2O3/CNTs coatings. Microstructural characterization was performed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Ni60/Al2O3/CNTs coatings revealed a lower wear rate and friction coefficient compared with the original coating, and their wear rates and friction coefficients showed a decreasing trend with increasing mass fraction of CNTs within the range from 0 to 3.0 wt% due to the effects of the reinforcement and reduced friction of CNTs. The results showed that the CNTs played dual roles in improving the tribological performance of the coating, indirectly by influencing the microstructure and mechanical properties of the coating and directly by acting as a lubricating medium.


2012 ◽  
Vol 135 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yitian Peng ◽  
Zhonghua Ni

The oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were modified with stearic acid (SA) molecules. The SA-modified MWCNTs were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. The tribological properties of the oxidized and SA-modified MWCNTs as additives in water were comparatively investigated with a four-ball tester. The results showed the SA-modified MWCNTs in water have better tribological properties including friction reduction and antiwear than oxidized MWCNTs. The possible mechanism of SA-modified MWCNT as an additive in water was discussed. This research provides the opportunity for the lubricant application of MWCNTs.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Wang ◽  
Hongying Mi ◽  
Weigui Zhou ◽  
Xin Yang ◽  
Yan He

Purpose This study aims to the preparation and tribological characteristics of graphene/triangular copper nanoplate composites (abbreviated as GN/Cu nanoplates) as grease additive and clarifies the growth mechanism and tribological mechanism of GN/Cu nanoplates by different analysis methods. In this paper, it is expected to alleviate the problems of easy aggregation and poor dispersion stability of graphene in lubricants and provide theoretical support for the application of graphene and its composites in the tribology field. Design/methodology/approach In this study, the GN/Cu nanoplates have been successfully prepared by the electrostatic self-assembly method. The structural characteristics of GN/Cu nanoplates were analyzed via transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Then the tribological properties of GN/Cu nanoplates were investigated under different loads with SRV-IV [Schwingung, Reibung, Verschleiß (German); oscillating, friction, wear (English translation)] tribotester. White-light interferometry was applied to quantify the wear loss of the disk. The element chemical state on worn surfaces was analyzed by an X-ray photoelectron spectroscope to clarify the tribological mechanism of graphene composites. Findings The electrostatic force between the negative charge of graphene and the positive charge of triangular copper nanoplates promotes the self-assembly of GN/Cu nanoplates. With the addition of GN/Cu nanoplates, the wear loss and average friction coefficient under the load of 200 N have been decreased by 72.6% and 18.3%, respectively. It is concluded that the combined action of graphene deposition film and the copper melting film formed on the worn surface could effectively improve the antiwear ability and friction reduction performance of the grease. Originality/value This manuscript fulfills a new approach for the preparation of GN/Cu nanoplates. At the same time, its tribological properties and mechanism as a lubricating additive were studied which provide theoretical support for the application of graphene and its composites in the tribology field.


2018 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanfei Yang ◽  
Xiaobo Wang ◽  
Sen Mei ◽  
Xing Zhu ◽  
Shiqiang Chen ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the tribological performance and mechanisms of BN/calcium borate nanocomposites (BCBNs) as additives in lubricating oil. Design/methodology/approach BCBNs were prepared by heterogeneous deposition method. And the morphology and structure of samples were analysed by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra and X-ray powder diffraction pattern. The maximum non-seizure load (PB) of samples was tested using four-ball friction tester. The average friction coefficients and wear tracks were obtained. In addition, tribological mechanism was also investigated using optical microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope. Findings It was found that the nanocomposites present core-shell nanostructure with the thickness of shell around 12 nm and the diameter of particles 100-200 nm, and tribological tests indicate that the PB value of BCBNs was increased by 113 per cent, whereas the average friction coefficient was decreased by 23.6 per cent and the bloom’s wear area was also decreased by 25.2 per cent. Originality/value This paper involves investigation on tribological properties and mechanism of the BCBNs with core-shell structure.


2016 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
pp. 603-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
X.A. Cao ◽  
G.Q. Shao ◽  
K.H. Hu

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the tribological properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) modified by carbon soot from the combustion of No. 0 diesel. Design/methodology/approach Carbon soot is characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electronic microscopy. The tribological properties of HDPE samples with carbon soot are investigated on a materials surface tester with a ball-on-disk friction pair. Findings The collected carbon soot mainly comprises amorphous carbon nanoparticles of 50-100 nm in diameter. The main wear behaviours of pure HDPE include abrasive wear and plastic deformation. After adding carbon soot nanoparticles to HDPE, HDPE wear decreases. The appropriate carbon soot content is 8 per cent in HDPE under the selected testing conditions. Compared with other HDPE samples, HDPE with 8 per cent carbon soot has higher melting temperature, lower abrasive wear and better wear resistance. The lubrication of HDPE with carbon soot is due to the formation of a transferring film composed of HDPE, amorphous carbon and graphite carbon. Originality/value The paper reveals the HDPE modification and lubrication mechanisms by using carbon soot from the combustion of diesel. Related research can perhaps provide a potential approach for the treatment of carbon soot exhaust emission.


2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (7) ◽  
pp. 887-894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Girish G. ◽  
Anandakrishnan V.

Purpose This study aims to investigate and present the tribological behaviour of recursively friction stir processed 7075 aluminium alloy. Design/methodology/approach In this work, aluminium 7075 alloy is friction stir processed recursively by varying the tool rotational speed, traverse speed and the number of passes. Wear pins for testing were extracted from the processed zone and the surfaces were prepared. Wear tests were conducted as per the standard on a pin-on-disc wear testing machine at constant testing conditions and the corresponding tribological properties were analysed. The worn surface and the debris were analysed using a field-emission scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis and elemental mapping to identify the mode of wear mechanism. Findings The experimental results indicate that the specimen fabricated at 1,150 rpm of tool rotation speed and 60 mm/min of traverse speed with 4 passes had the highest wear resistance and the minimum friction coefficient. Originality/value This paper details the effect of recursive friction stir processing on the surface of AA 7075 to improve the tribological properties. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2020-0070/


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