A novel layered double hydroxides oleogel lubricant: Inspired by conventional greases

Abstract

Grease lubricants serve as a simple, effective and convenient source of lubrication for saving energy. However, the most applicable lithium greases meet contradictory pressures of high performance and low pricing demands because of the substantial development of the global electric vehicles industry and the ubiquity of lithium batteries. In order to alleviate the dependence on lithium resources and develop resource-widespread and economical lubricating grease, herein, a class of thickener and oleogel system based on organic acid intercalated layered double hydroxides (LDHs) inspired by traditional grease has been reported. LDHs materials can be regarded as a preassembled “salt-like” compound, comparable to the self-assembled traditional metal soap salt thickener. LDHs oleogels exhibit viscoelastic properties and tribological performance similar to those of lithium greases. This study presents ideas for future development through layered materials regarding as "salt-like" compounds as a replacement for traditional grease thickeners.