Tribological Behavior of Ionic Liquid with Nanoparticles

This research aims to formulate a new lubricant containing oxide nanoparticles for enhancing anti-wear ability and reducing friction. Different concentrations of copper oxide (CuO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were separately added to an ionic liquid, methyltrioctylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [N1888] [NTf2], to formulate the tested lubricants. The tribological properties of the lubricants were tested by performing ball-on-disc wear tests on a tribotester (MTM, PCS Instruments). The results show that both the CuO and ZnO nanoparticles can increase the friction reduction ability of the ionic liquid when used as a neat lubricant. The anti-wear characteristic of the ionic liquid is increased by adding ZnO nanoparticles but decreased by adding CuO nanoparticles. The best tribological performance observed for the concentration of 0.2 wt% ZnO, with the wear scar diameter is reduced by 32% compared to the pure ionic liquid. The results of SEM/EDX analysis on the worm morphologies show different lubrication mechanisms of the nanoparticles in the [N1888] [NTf2], which are tribo-sintering for CuO nanoparticles, and third body with pure rolling effect for ZnO nanoparticles.

Synthesis and tribological study of core-shell Ag@polyaniline as lubricant additive in lithium-based complex grease

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to synthesize a kind of core-shell Ag@polyaniline (Ag@PAN) as a lubricant additive to improve the friction reduction and anti-wear abilities of lithium-based complex grease. Design/methodology/approach The core-shell Ag@PAN was prepared by a simple method and was introduced into the lithium-based complex grease. The typical properties of Ag@PAN were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectrometer and thermal gravimetric analyzer. The tribological properties were evaluated under different conditions. After the tribological test, the worn surface was analyzed by SEM and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to probe the lubrication mechanisms. Findings The prepared Ag@PAN could greatly improve the friction reduction and wear resistance of the friction pair under different conditions. The preferable tribological performances were mainly attributed to the synergism of various lubrication mechanisms including “mending effect,” “rolling effect” and lubricating protective film, and so on. Originality/value This study synthesizes a new kind of core-shell Ag@PAN as a lubricant additive, and it possesses preferable friction reduction and anti-wear abilities.

Self-Lubricating Materials for Extreme Condition Applications

Lubrication for extreme conditions, such as high temperature, cryogenic temperature, vacuum pressure, high load, high speed, and corrosive environments, is a continuing challenge among tribologists and space engineers due to the inadequate friction and wear properties of liquid lubricants. As a result, tremendous research effort has been put forward to study lubrication mechanisms for various machine elements under challenging conditions over the past two decades. Self-lubricating materials have been most widely used for adequate lubrication in extreme conditions in recent years. This review paper presents state-of-the-art of materials for lubrication in extreme condition applications in aerospace, automotive, and power generation areas. More specifically, solid lubricants dispersed in various matrices for lubrication application were analyzed in-depth under challenging conditions. This study also reports the self-lubricating materials and their lubrication mechanisms. Finally, various applications and challenges of self-lubricating materials were explored.

A Comprehensive Review of Water-Based Nanolubricants

Applying nanomaterials and nanotechnology in lubrication has become increasingly popular and important to further reduce the friction and wear in engineering applications. To achieve green manufacturing and its sustainable development, water-based nanolubricants are emerging as promising alternatives to the traditional oil-containing lubricants that inevitably pose environmental issues when burnt and discharged. This review presents an overview of recent advances in water-based nanolubricants, starting from the preparation of the lubricants using different types of nanoadditives, followed by the techniques to evaluate and enhance their dispersion stability, and the commonly used tribo-testing methods. The lubrication mechanisms and models are discussed with special attention given to the roles of the nanoadditives. Finally, the applications of water-based nanolubricants in metal rolling are summarised, and the outlook for future research directions is proposed.