Tribological and Lubrication Performances of Nano-WO3 and CaWO4 Contained in Water-Based Fluid for Steel Strip during Hot Forming

Abstract

CaWO4 and WO3 nanoparticles were prepared by the sol-gel method and Pechini method. The morphology and structure of nano-CaWO4 and nano-WO3 were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Tribological, hot forming, and hot rolling lubrication properties of nano-CaWO4, nano-WO3, and mixed nano-CaWO4-WO3 as antiwear additives in water-based fluid were investigated using a four-ball friction and wear testing machine, Gleeble tester, and two-high rolling mill, respectively. Results showed that 0.3 wt% mixed nano-CaWO4-WO3 has excellent tribological properties in water-based fluid. The average wear scar diameter values decreased from 0.62 to 0.37 mm (mixed WO3-CaWO4) and the coefficient of friction value reduced from 0.080 to 0.064. This was due to the formation of a tribofilm (∼30 nm) on the worn surface during the forming process, avoiding direct contact between the metals. During Gleeble hot forming, the lubrication effect of the mixed nano-CaWO4-WO3 was the best. The nano-WO3-CaWO4 particles were relatively dispersed and dis not bond together under high temperature and pressure conditions, which played a role in reducing friction resistance between friction pairs. With the addition of 0.3 wt% mixed WO3-CaWO4 nanofluid, the surface quality was improved and it had the lowest surface roughness in the hot rolling process.