Tribological Properties of Nanoparticle-Based Lubrication Systems

New nanomaterials and nanoparticles are currently under investigation as lubricants or lubricant additives due to their unusual properties compared to traditional materials. One of the objectives of this work is to investigate the tribological properties of these materials in relation to surface topography. Chemical etching and metal evaporation methods were employed to prepare surfaces with various topographies. Surfaces were sheared with the use of a nanotribometer and characterized with an atomic force and scanning electron microscopes. For a system consisting of ZnS nanowires dispersed in dodecane sheared across ductile surfaces, it was found that the geometry of the nanowire relative to the surface topography plays a significant role. Moreover, for brittle surfaces, it was found that beyond a certain roughness the frictional properties remain unchanged. In addition, this work is also intended to explore novel lubricants with nanoparticle additives in efforts to control friction and wear. A system consisting of silica nanoparticles dispersed in ionic liquids was examined at various concentrations. It was found that an optimum concentration of nanoparticles exists and yields the best tribological properties. Such work represents an important step in understanding the tribological properties of nanoparticle lubricant additives in general; one that may ultimately provide the guidelines necessary for designing novel, low-friction, and wear-controlling nanoparticle-based lubrication systems that minimize energy and material losses due to friction

Investigation Of The Friction Factor Behavior for Flat Plate Tests Of Smooth And Roughened Surfaces With Supply Pressures Up To 84 Bars

Annular gas seal clearances were simulated with closely spaced parallel plates using a Flat?Plate tester. The device is designed to measure the pressure gradient along the test specimen. The main function of the Flat?Plate tester is to provide friction factor data and measure dynamic pressure oscillations. A detailed description of the test facility is described, and a theory for determining the friction factor is reviewed. Three clearances were investigated: 0.635, 0.381, and 0.254 mm. Tests were conducted at three different inlet pressures (84, 70, and 55 bars), producing Reynolds numbers range from 50,000 to 700,000. Three surface configurations were tested including smooth?on-smooth, smooth?on?hole, and hole?on?hole. The Hole?pattern plates are identical with the exception of the hole depth. The results indicate that, for the smooth?on?smooth and smooth?on?hole configurations, the friction factor remains constant or increases slightly with increasing Reynolds numbers. Moreover, the friction factor increases as the clearance between the plates increases. However, the results from the hole?on-hole configurations are quite different. A "friction?factor jump" phenomenon was observed, and the Helmholtz frequency was detected on the frequency spectra

Formation of Anti-Wear Tribofilms via α-ZrP Nanoplatelet as Lubricant Additives

Effective tribofilms are desirable to protect mechanical systems. In the present research, we investigated the formation of a tribofilm through the use of α-ZrP (Zr(HPO4)2·H2O) as an additive. Experiments were conducted on a base oil where 0.2 wt% of the additive was used. Experimental results showed a 50% reduction in friction and a 30% reduction in wear when compared to the base oil containing 0.8 wt% ZDDP. Spectroscopic characterization indicated that the tribofilm consists of iron oxide, zirconium oxide, and zirconium phosphates. The worn surface was seen to be smooth which renders it desirable for bearing systems