Solid-state Lubricant Research Articles

Investigation on the influence of electrospark deposited 718 alloy coating on the penetration performance of 93 W rod

A ballistic experiment on a semi-infinite RHA target impacted by two thicknesses clade 93 W rods (200 μm 718 alloy and 400 μm 718 alloy) with an impact velocity of 1500 ± 50 m/s is conducted to investigate the influence of 93 W surface deposited coating on penetration performance. Moreover, the findings are compared with those of an unclad 93 W rod. This study aims to provide a comprehensive microstructural overview of the penetration process, including the solid-state penetrator flow and the exchange interaction mode of rod and target (R.T.) materials, using optical metallography and electron microscopy. Results indicate that the coating area is composed of approximately equiaxed or short columnar cellular crystals. Furthermore, a metallurgical fusion layer is formed between the substrate and the coating, ensuring excellent bonding strength of the coating. No significant difference in the rheological mode is found between the interfaces of the 200 μm 718 alloy and 93 W R.T. materials, while the 400 μm 718 alloy forms a barrier mix zone at the interface between the R.T. This phenomenon alters the exchange mode of the target material and affects the interface flow mechanism. The barrier mix zone also acts as a solid-state lubricant at the interface, reducing the resistance to the rod's penetration. The average penetration depth of the 400 μm clad rod is 6.89 % higher than that of the 93 W rod. This finding reveals the clad material enhances the rod's performance and provides self-lubricating characteristics.

Electrothermal-Assisted Photothermal Lubrication Surfaces for Continuous Anti-Icing/Deicing in Multiple Low-Temperature Environments.

Solving the problem of ice accumulation on solid surfaces is of great significance to the economic development of the country and the safety of people's lives. In this work, a coating with multifunctional photothermal/electrothermal solid-state lubrication (PEL) for anti-icing/deicing was prepared in layers based on the intrinsic properties of silicone oil and paraffin wax in combination with conductive graphite and multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Silicone oils and paraffins are used as lubricating media giving the coating excellent lubricity, which results in a water sliding angle (SA) of only 12° on the PEL surface. Meanwhile, PEL shows favorable static and dynamic ice resistance at low temperatures; at -10 °C, the freezing time of water droplets on the PEL surface is extended by at least 4 times compared to the bare substrate. Furthermore, PEL also offers highly efficient photothermal and electrothermal deicing performance, which can effectively remove the accumulated ice at a light intensity of 0.6 kW/m2 or an EPD of 0.1 W/cm2. Meanwhile, the synergistic deicing mechanism of photothermal and electrothermal was verified at -20 °C. Interestingly, the coating shows heat-assisted healing ability due to the phase change characteristic of paraffin wax, which allows the coating to regain lubricating properties after mechanical abrasion. Therefore, this work provides a reliable way for the design of stable all-weather anti-icing/deicing strategies at low temperatures.

Influence of aluminium in wetting characteristics of Zn-Al alloy

In this article, the effect of aluminium in Zn-5 wt%Al alloy is studied after heat treatment at 375 ⁰C focusing particularly on its effect at grain boundaries or grain boundary junctions. The understanding of such behaviour is crucial for microstructural controlling during alloy processing, ensuring better alloy performance for various applications. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), the microstructural and crystallographic study of the alloy was carried out. The SEM results of the annealed sample show a lenticular-shaped wetting layer corresponding to the lower energy of the grain boundary. It was observed that Zn is distributed throughout the sample, while the concentration of Al is increased at the grain boundaries as evidenced by the elemental spectra. XRD result confirms that no new phases are formed thereby confirming the formation of an Al-rich solid solution at the grain boundary. The absence of new phases indicates that aluminium in the alloy tends to lower grain boundary energy by occupying grain boundary positions, rather than forming a new compound, thereby reaching thermodynamic equilibrium. This study is important for developing advanced engineering materials with solid-state lubrication capabilities, for diverse industrial applications.

Synthesis and multifunctional characterizations of Gd2 O3 and Sm2 O3 modified ZnO nanoparticles

In the present communication multifunctional characterizations suitable for spintronics and memory storage devices are described. Double doped (Gd3+, Sm3+) ZnO nanoparticles are prepared from Sol-Gel method using poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) as chelating agent. The as prepared powders are annealed at 500 °C–1000 °C with a step size of 100 °C. The genesis of single phase hexagonal wurtzite structure, morphological and topographical changes, optical, magnetic and mechanical properties were studied with XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy), UV- DRS (ultraviolet diffuse reflective spectroscopy), PL (photoluminescence), VSM (vibrating sample magnetometer) and pin on disc tribometer. XRD study untangled the crystallite size and found to be in the range23-50nm. Polycrystalline nanoparticles of spherical geometry with induced porosity is observed from SEM study. The particle size associated with the samples annealed at 500 °C and 900 °C is 24 nm and 27 nm respectively from TEM study. Analyzed the proximity of functional groups, molecular vibrations in the range of 400-4000 cm−1 employing FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy). EDS results revealed the stoichiometry of the produced samples. The pronounced optoelectronic applications of Zn1-x Gdx Smx O (ZGS) can be attributed to the large band gap (3.50–3.02 eV) associated with the materials with rise in annealing temperature. The room temperature ferromagnetism was evidenced with double doped ZnO nanomaterials. The wear coefficient, and friction coefficient were evaluated using pin-on-disc tribometer. The utility of materials as solid state lubricants was confiscated from the range of frictional coefficient values (0.067–0.893).

Tribological Characterization of Micro Ball Bearings with and without Solid-State Lubrication.

The tribological characteristics of a below 1 mm micro ball bearing comprising steel disc and cages coated with thin copper and silver films were investigated. Electroplating and laser cutting were used to manufacture used elements. Friction was measured using a linear stage and an adapted version of a friction-loop method. The obtained results show an interesting relationship between the geometric properties of the micro scale thrust bearing and their performance and operational stability, which can be correlated to similar relationships observed in the macro scale. The most optimal design of the bearing showed stable operation, with the simplified rolling resistance coefficient in the range 0.002 to 0.003, independently of applied load, which was in range 150 mN to 1500 mN. The possibility of creating easily manufacturable micro ball bearings with a low rolling resistance coefficient comprised solely of cheap and sturdy elements was shown.

Structural and environmental dependence of superlubricious properties in hydrogenated Graphite-Like carbon Films: Implications in solid state lubrication

A variety of sp2-bonded structures can be formed in carbon materials, and carbon-based lubricants with low shear strength are widely used for harsh working conditions. In this paper, hydrogenated graphite-like carbon (GLC) films with a high content of sp2-bonded structures were prepared by ion beam deposition. Their structures were modified by heat treatment (annealing) and element doping to improve the lubrication performance. The microstructure characterization of tribolayer formed at friction interfaces and the lubricating mechanism were analyzed thoroughly, and an appropriate modification method of sp2-bonded structures was then proposed. Controlling the sp3 cross-linked structures between sp2-bonded carbon could improve the lubrication performance precisely. The results regarding GLC films against tribopairs with different hydrogen contents indicate that a stable friction coefficient (0.006) can be obtained in dry N2 when GLC film and hydrogenated polymer-like carbon (PLC) coated ball were used as tribocouples, and the wear rate is only 6.71 × 10-10 mm3/N·m after 100,000 reciprocating cycles. By utilizing the high sp2-bonded carbon films, a theoretical basis for superlubricity can be established through heat treatment and element doping, which provides the sufficient technical support for the development of solid lubricating materials with low friction coefficients and high wear resistance under harsh working conditions.

Ultrahigh Lubricity between Two-Dimensional Ice and Two-Dimensional Atomic Layers.

Low temperature and high humidity conditions significantly degrade the performance of solid-state lubricants consisting of van der Waals (vdW) atomic layers, owing to the liquid water layer attached/intercalated to the vdW layers, which greatly enhances the interlayer friction. However, using low temperature in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) and friction force microscopy (FFM), we unveil the unexpected ultralow friction between two-dimensional (2D) ice, a solid phase of water confined to the 2D space, and the 2D molybdenum disulfides (MoS2). The friction of MoS2 and 2D ice is reduced by more than 30% as compared to bare MoS2 and the rigid surface. The phase transition of liquid water into 2D ice under mechanical compression has also been observed. These new findings can be applied as novel frictionless water/ice transport technology in nanofluidic systems and promising high performance lubricants for operating in low temperature and high humidity environments.

Effect of the crystallographic c-axis orientation on the tribological properties of the few-layer PtSe2

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides are potential candidates for ultrathin solid-state lubricants in low-dimensional systems owing to their flatness, high in-plane mechanical strength, and low shear interlayer strength. Yet, the effects of surface topography and surface chemistry on the tribological properties of 2D layers are still unclear. In this work, we performed a comparative investigation of nanoscale tribological properties of ultra-thin highly-ordered PtSe2 layers deposited on the sapphire substrates with the in-plane and out-of-plane crystallographic orientation of the PtSe2c-axis flakes, and epitaxial PtSe2 layers. PtSe2c-axis orientation was found to has an impact on the nanotribological, morphological and electrical properties of PtSe2, in particular the change in the alignment of the PtSe2 flakes from vertical (VA) to horizontal (HA) led to the lowering of the coefficient of friction from 0.21 to 0.16. This observation was accompanied by an increase in the root-mean-square surface roughness from 1.0 to 1.7 nm for the HA and VA films, respectively. The epitaxial films showed lower friction caused by lowering adhesion when compared to other investigated films, whereas the friction coefficient was similar to films with HA flakes. The observed trends in nanoscale friction is attributed to a different distribution of PtSe2 structure.

Nanoscale friction of CVD single-layer MoS2 with controlled defect formation

Two-dimensional (2D) layered nanomaterials such as graphene, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), or tungsten disulfide offer a promising solution in areas of solid-state lubrication, due to their excellent mechanical properties as well as low friction. However, defects can influence their friction and reduce their superior tribological properties. Thus, it is crucial to understand the effects of defects on sliding behavior in 2D nanomaterials, to foster a functional strategy for utilizing 2D nanomaterials as solid-state tribological films. In this study, frictional effects of defects, grain boundaries, and atomic-scale structural defects were explored on chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown single layer MoS2. Selective patterning of defects into MoS2 was accomplished via controlled irradiation of helium ions with varying ion doses. The friction of MoS2 was characterized by friction force microscopy (FFM) and was found that friction depends on the defect formation controlled by helium ion irradiation. This approach offers a correlation between surface topography, defects and friction. Understanding the relative friction of MoS2 in the presence of different levels of defects is foundational to studying tribological properties of a single layer MoS2 at both nanoscales and macroscales.

Reduced Viscosity of Mg2GeO4 with Minor MgGeO3 between 1000 and 1150 °C Suggests Solid-State Lubrication at the Lithosphere–Asthenosphere Boundary

Tectonic plates are thought to move above the asthenosphere due to the presence of accumulated melts or volatiles that result in a low-viscosity layer, known as lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary (LAB). Here, we report experiments suggesting that the plates may slide through a solid-state mechanism. Ultrafine-grained aggregates of Mg2GeO4 and minor MgGeO3 were synthetized using spark plasma sintering (SPS) and deformed using a 1-atm deformation rig between 950 °C and 1250 °C. For 1000 < T < 1150 °C, the derivative of the stress–strain relation of the material drops down to zero once a critical stress as low as 30–100 MPa is reached. This viscosity reduction is followed by hardening. The deformation curves are consistent with what is commonly observed in steels during the shear-induced transformation from austenite to martensite, the final material being significantly harder. This is referred to as TRansformation-Induced Plasticity (TRIP), widely observed in metal alloys (TRIP alloys). It should be noted that such enhanced plasticity is not necessarily due to a phase transition, but could consist of any kind of transformation, including structural transformations. We suspect a stress-induced grain-boundary destabilization. This could be associated to the transient existence of a metastable phase forming in the vicinity of grain boundaries between 1000 and 1150 °C. However, no such phase can be observed in the recovered samples. Whatever its nature, the rheological transition seems to occur as a result of a competition between diffusional processes (i.e., thermally activated) and displacive processes (i.e., stress-induced and diffusionless). Consequently, the material would be harder at 1200 °C than at 1100 °C thanks to diffusion that would strengthen thermodynamically stable phases or grain-boundary structures. This alternative scenario for the LAB would not require volatiles. Instead, tectonic plates may slide on a layer in which the peridotite is constantly adjusting via a grain-boundary transformation.

Role of OH Termination in Mitigating Friction of Diamond-like Carbon under High Load: A Joint Simulation and Experimental Study.

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) has recently attracted much attention as a promising solid-state lubricant because it exhibits low friction, low abrasion, and high wear resistance. Although we previously reported the reason why H-terminated DLC exhibits low friction based on a tight-binding quantum chemical molecular dynamics (TB-QCMD) simulation, experimentally, the low-friction state of H-terminated DLC is not stable, limiting its application. In the present work, our TB-QCMD simulations suggest that H/OH-terminated DLC could give low friction even under high loads, whereas H-terminated DLC could not. By using gas-phase friction experiments, we confirm that OH termination can indeed provide much more stable lubricity than H termination, validating the predictions from simulations. We conclude that H/OH-terminated DLC is a new low-friction material with high load capacity and high stable lubricity that may be suitable for practical use in industrial applications.

Effect of 1-D and 2-D carbon-based nano-reinforcements on the dry sliding-wear behaviour of 3Y-TZP ceramics

The dry sliding-wear behaviour of a zirconia doped with 3 mol% yttria (3Y-TZP) monolithic and of two 3Y-TZP composites, these latter with the same ultrafine-grained microstructure as the former but reinforced with either 1-D carbon nanofibres (CNFs) or 2-D reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanoplatelets, was evaluated by ball-on-disk tests at moderate load, and compared critically. It was found that 3Y-TZP, 3Y-TZP/CNFs, and 3Y-TZP/rGO undergo mild wear, in the three cases by abrasion with contributions from both plastic deformation and fracture (with varying severities depending on the sample). It was also found that wear resistance does not correlate with hardness or toughness, but with whether or not there is formation of self-lubricating tribofilms on the contact surface. Specifically, once pulled-out, 2-D rGO nano-reinforcements impose solid-state lubrication that reduces the coefficient of friction (CoF), thus providing 3Y-TZP/rGO with superior wear resistance relative to both 3Y-TZP and 3Y-TZP/CNFs. 1-D CNF nano-reinforcements, however, do not form such tribofilms, or hardly do so, thus having no effect on the CoF and wear resistance. Implications are discussed of both the dimensionality of the carbon-based nano-reinforcements and the testing conditions for the microstructural design of ceramic composites for tribological applications.

Effect of Transfer Films on Friction of PTFE/PEEK Composite

Abstract This paper investigates the effect of transfer films on friction coefficient of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composite. Friction experiments were carried out first to investigate transfer-film development during sliding contact of PTFE/PEEK composite with different PTFE volume fractions on a steel counterface. Quantitative relationships between PTFE/PEEK composite friction coefficient and constituent material mechanical properties are then established to facilitate the subsequent investigation of friction mechanisms and influence of transfer films on the composite friction. A micromechanics-based friction theory is developed for predicting PTFE/PEEK composite friction coefficient. The effect of transfer films on composite friction is accounted for based on two distinctly different mechanisms—one with solid-state film lubrication and the other with PTFE as a solid-state lubricant on the top surface of transfer films. The friction theory is first validated through the excellent agreement obtained between the theoretical predictions and the in-house experimental results on PTFE/PEEK composite with up to 20% PTFE (by volume). The validity of the theory is further demonstrated by comparing the theoretical predictions with the test data reported by other researchers in the literature.

The Promise of 2D Nanolaminated Materials as Protective Solid-State Lubricants

Lubricants are an important part of any tribological system [...]

Wear resistance of hydrogenated high nitrogen steel at dry and solid state lubricants assistant friction

Purpose: This paper is devoted the investigation hydrogen influence on of wear resistance of high nitrogen steel (HNS) at dry and solid state lubricants assistant friction. It has been established that after hydrogenation at 250 N loading the wear rate increased by 2.9 ... 4.1 times. Microhardness of hydrogenated layer was 7.6 ... 8.2 GPa, that is increased after hydrogenation in two times. After adding the (GaSe)xIn1-x compounds to the tribo conjugates by X-ray diffraction analysis it has been established the appearance of new phases which formed during the friction process and detected on the friction surface. Design/methodology/approach: This work presents research results concerning the comparative tests of high nitrogen steels in the circumstances of dry rolling friction. It was conducted the experiments to determine the tribological properties of high-nitrogen steels under rolling friction. The test pieces were manufactured in the form of rollers, and rotated with a linear velocity 2.27 m/s (upper roller), 3.08 m/s (bottom roller). Upper roller is made from HNS was subjected for hydrogenation. Analysis of friction surfaces indicates the complex mechanism of fracture surfaces. The results of the local X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis has been established the appearance of new phases and elements on the friction surface. Findings: It has been found that the level of wear resistance of the investigated materials under hydrogenation. Compounds realize chemisorption, tribochemical mechanisms of the formation of thin protective (anti-wear, antifriction) layers on metal surfaces. Research limitations/implications: An essential problem is the verification of the results obtained using the standard mechanical tests, computer-based image analysis and other methods. Practical implications: The observed phenomena can be regarded as the basic explanation of reduces the plasticity characteristics after hydrogenation. Applying the (GaSe)xIn1-x compounds as a lubricant will allow the formation of films on friction surfaces that can minimize surface wear, which will contribute to the transition to a wear-free friction mode. The protective film is a barrier to high shear and normal loads, preserving the base metal of the part and providing reduced wear and friction. Originality/value: The value of this work is that conducted experiments permit to determine the tribological properties of high nitrogen steels under rolling friction after hydrogenation. After adding (GaSe)xIn1-x compounds to the tribo conjugates after due to X-ray diffraction analysis it has been established the appearance of new phases which formed during the friction process and detected on the friction surface.

The tribological properties of short range ordered W-B-C protective coatings prepared by pulsed magnetron sputtering

In this study mid-frequency pulsed-DC magnetron sputtering was used to deposit W-B-C coatings. The effect of coating composition and the deposition parameters on the structure, mechanical and tribological properties of the coatings was investigated. The broad diffraction peaks in the X-ray diffractogram indicated the amorphous to nanocrystalline nature of the coatings. The hardness of the coatings ranged from 22.6 to 26.2 GPa. The coatings prepared at the elevated temperature of 500 °C exhibited greater hardness compared to the coatings prepared at the ambient temperature. The amount of W in the coatings was the main parameter influencing the friction coefficient with a higher W content leading to a higher friction coefficient. The coatings prepared at 500 °C showed lower wear in tribological measurements due to their higher hardness compared to the coatings prepared at ambient temperature. The friction coefficient decreased as the testing temperature increased beyond 500 °C. XRD analyses after the high temperature tests have shown that this decrease was due to the formation of W-O Magnéli phases, which acted as a solid-state lubricant.

Novel tertiary dry solid lubricant on steel surfaces reduces significant friction and wear under high load conditions

A novel graphene-zinc oxide composite film is created and studied as a solid-state lubricant for friction and wear reduction under extreme load conditions. The liquid-free composite is made from a slurry of graphene, zinc oxide, and polyvinylidene difluoride spin-coated onto a stainless steel substrate. Enhanced tribological performance was measured under ambient conditions using a ball-on-disk tribometer with contact pressures up to 1.02 GPa and sliding distances up to 450 m. The graphene-rich lubricant demonstrates substantial friction and wear reduction (ca. 90%) compared to unlubricated sliding. The composite film is able to maintain its lubricating effects under extreme operating conditions including 15 N normal load and 450 m sliding distance. Following tribological testing, optical and spectroscopic analysis of the formed wear scars reveal a persistent protective film on the ball and disk surfaces. The excellent tribological performance of this graphene-rich composite is attributed to the adhesion effect from zinc oxide: zinc adheres graphene to the contact interface, maintaining improved tribological performance under high contact pressure. The durability and resilience of this adhesive coating suggest exceptional potential as a dry lubricant for high load-bearing applications.

Investigate the Friction and wear behavior of MoS2 nanoparticles in solid state lubrication

A solid-state lubricant powders is one of the most significant powders usedto protect surfaces from damage in cases of relative motion, with a reduction in thefriction and wear between them. In this study, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2),purity 99%, nanoparticles have been used as solid-state lubrication, due to it havinga low coefficient of friction and high wear resistance. In which MoS2 particles havebeen distributed with 1.69 x 1015 particles per m2 over the steel disc’s surfaceagainst the steel pin using a pin on disc tribometer machine. The pin on disctechnique was used to study the friction coefficient behaviour of the MoS2distribution particles and the position depth of the steel pin on the steel disc surfacewhen the ambient environment was air and humidity. It was used to examine thetribological behaviour of the steel pin on the steel disc surface with no distributionof MoS2 nanoparticles and also for a steel pin on steel disc with a distribution ofMoS2 nanoparticles. Then, the morphologies and microstructures of thedistributions of MoS2 nanoparticles were characterized using Scanning ElectronMicroscopy (SEM). In a result, the distribution of MoS2 nanoparticles have resultedin a lower friction coefficient and higher wear resistance compared with only steelpin on steel disc surfaces.

Precise femtosecond laser crater fabrication in hard nanolayered AlTiN/TiN coating on steel substrate

Processing of AlTiN/TiN multilayered hard coatings by femtosecond (fs) laser pulses has been investigated. Irradiation was performed in air with linearly polarized laser radiation with pulses of 200 fs duration at 775nm wavelength. Single or 1000 subsequent laser pulses were directed at normal incidence towards target surface. Laser energy per pulse was adjusted from 0.5 to 50µJ and corresponding fluence was 0.17–17.5Jcm−2. The as deposited and laser-ablated samples were characterized by optical confocal microscopy, optical profilometry and scanning and transmition electron microscopy. In case of the AlTiN/TiN coating, a single-pulse damage threshold of 0.41Jcm−2 was estimated. Well defined holes/craters with diameters from 7 to 35µm, up to 40µm depth were drilled, depending on laser pulse energy and number, after 1000 laser pulses. For small energy/fluence, laser induced periodical surface structures were observed. A model is discussed which can account for these features by the accumulation effect during multi-pulse irradiation. The forming craters can prove useful for fabrication of micron solid state lubricant reservoirs in the protective coating-steel system.

Microscale tribological behavior and in vitro biocompatibility of graphene nanoplatelet reinforced alumina

Graphene nanoplatelets were added as reinforcement to alumina ceramics in order to enhance microscale tribological behavior, which would be beneficial for ceramic-on-ceramic hip implant applications. The reduction in microscale wear is critical to hip implant applications where small amounts of wear debris can be detrimental to patients and to implant performance. The addition of the GNPs lead to improvements in fracture toughness and wear (scratch) resistance of 21% and 39%, respectively. The improved wear resistance was attributed to GNP-induced toughening, which generates fine (~100nm) microcracks on the scratch surface. In addition, active participation of GNPs was observed in the scratch subsurface of GNP-reinforced samples through focused ion beam sectioning. Friction coefficients are not significantly influenced by the addition of GNPs, and hence GNPs do not act as solid state lubricants. In vitro biocompatibility with human osteoblasts was assessed to evaluate any possible cytotoxic effects induced by GNPs. Osteoblast cells were observed to survive and proliferate robustly in the GNP-reinforced samples, particularly those with high (10–15vol%) GNP content.