Abstract

Abstract A new conductive grease was synthesized using a nanometer powder, i.e., Sb doped SnO2 (ATO), as an additive. The typical properties of this new conductive grease were investigated in detail. The results indicate that ATO can dramatically improve the dropping point and reduce contact resistance. The tribological properties of the new conductive grease were investigated using the MFT-R4000 reciprocating friction and wear tester. The tribol-test results indicate that ATO can dramatically improve the tribological properties of the grease. When the ATO concentration is 0.1wt%, the grease demonstrates the best friction reduction properties; when the concentration is 0.5wt%, the grease demonstrates the best anti-wear properties. The worn surfaces were observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and the friction mechanisms for the new conductive grease are proposed. The excellent tribological properties of the new conductive grease are attributed to the mechanical effect of ATO, and the film formed by Sn and Sb elements or metallic oxide deposited on worn surfaces during the friction process.

Highlights

  • When lubricating grease is applied to the conductive parts of electrical equipment, such as electrical switches, integrated circuits, microelectronic mechanical systems, power machines, power transmission and transformation equipment [1−3], it reduces friction and wear in the mechanical systems and plays a significant role in saving energy and reducing CO2 emission by improving the lubrication efficiency, reducing the contact resistance, and prolonging service life; the conductivity capacity and tribological properties of the grease become important [4]

  • The physicochemical and tribological properties of the synthesized conductive greases were investigated in detail, and the tribol-surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energydispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to explore the mechanisms of friction and wear

  • All the tests were conducted at room temperature and each lasted for 30 min

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Summary

Introduction

When lubricating grease is applied to the conductive parts of electrical equipment, such as electrical switches, integrated circuits, microelectronic mechanical systems, power machines, power transmission and transformation equipment [1−3], it reduces friction and wear in the mechanical systems and plays a significant role in saving energy and reducing CO2 emission by improving the lubrication efficiency, reducing the contact resistance, and prolonging service life; the conductivity capacity and tribological properties of the grease become important [4]. Possessing good electrical conductive and optical properties, good weather resistance, chemical stability, anti-radiation, and infrared absorption [5, 6], Sb doped SnO2 (ATO) is hailed as a promising multifunctional transparent conductive material [7] and has been widely used in solar cells [8], polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) [9], photoelectrochemical water splitting [10], heat-insulating films [11], antistatic materials, and electrode materials [12]. A conductive grease was synthesized using polyethylene oxide polypropylene oxide tinbutadiene styrene ether 50HB660 (PAG) as the base oil; polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as the thickener; and Cu powder, Ag powder, and ATO as additives. The physicochemical and tribological properties of the synthesized conductive greases were investigated in detail, and the tribol-surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energydispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to explore the mechanisms of friction and wear

Materials and preparation
Characterization of the physical properties of the grease
Friction and wear tests
Physical properties of the greases
Effect of additive concentration
Effect of load
Effect of frequency
Surface analysis
Conclusions

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