Abstract
In this study, crumpled graphene balls (CGB), a kind of nano-material, was used as an additive to improve the tribological properties of base oil. Nano-magnesium silicate hydroxide (MSH)/CGB composites were prepared by ultrasound-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation. The loading of MSH significantly increased the number of pleats and reduced the lamellar thickness of CGB. Then, in order to improve the compatibility with the base oil, the MSH/CGB composites were decorated with oleic acid and stearic acid to get modified lipophilic composites (ML-MSH/CGB). The ML-MSH/CGB were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the tribological properties of the ML-MSH/CGB in base oils were investigated using a ball-on-disc setup tribometer. It indicated that the fantastic tribological behavior of the ML-MSH/CGB in base oil may contribute to a smaller and extremely wrinkled laminated structure. Furthermore, the base oil with 0.005 wt% ML-MSH/CGB composites exhibited the best anti-friction effect, and its average friction coefficient, wearing capacity and wear scar diameter were reduced by 25.4%, 22.1% and 16.7%, respectively. The introduction of ML-MSH/CGB composed materials is an excellent strategy to optimize the friction performance of lubricating oil.
Highlights
Friction and wear have a huge impact on aspects of energy, the environment, technology and the economy, all over the world
The micro-topography of as-obtained magnesium silicate hydroxide (MSH), crumpled graphene balls (CGB) and MSH/CGB composites are investigated by means of field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
When CGB and MSH are combined with the aid of ultrasound, it is found that the irregular pleated globular structure is opened to form smaller, thinner and more wrinkled graphene structure (Figure 1c), wherein the MSH nanoparticles are uniformly attached to the surface of the crumpled graphene (Figure 1d)
Summary
Friction and wear have a huge impact on aspects of energy, the environment, technology and the economy, all over the world. Energy consumption is usually accompanied by the release of carbon dioxide. The utilization of lubricating oil is indispensable [1]. Lubricating oil reduces friction between contacting surfaces and increases the energy efficiency of engines and other machines. They can reduce wear, thereby extending the life of tribological components. The most effective way to improve the friction performance of lubricating oil is by adding excellent additives to the base oil. Traditional lubricant additives such as MoS2 , Materials 2020, 13, 3669; doi:10.3390/ma13173669 www.mdpi.com/journal/materials
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