Tribological properties of Si3N4–graphene nanocomposites

Mechanical and tribological properties of nanocomposites with silicon nitride matrix with addition of 1 and 3 wt% of various types of graphene platelets were studied. The wear behavior was observed by means of the ball-on-disk technique with a silicon nitride ball used as the tribological counterpart at room temperature in dry sliding. Coefficient of friction and specific wear rates were calculated and related to the damage mechanisms observed in the wear tracks. The measured properties were then assessed with respect to the type and volume fraction of the graphene additives. It is shown that addition of such amounts of carbon phases does not lower the coefficient of friction. Graphene platelets seem to be integrated into the matrix very strongly and they do not participate in lubricating processes. The best performance offers materials with 3 wt% of larger sized graphene, which have the highest wear resistance.     

Tribological behaviors of hybrid PTFE/nomex fabric/phenolic composite reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Modification of composites was a general method to improve their tribological behaviors. On the way to explore composites with enhanced tribological behaviors, we have successfully prepared hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric/phenolic composite filled with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) or MWCNTs modified by polystyrene (PS) with a grafting to method. The results of pin‐on‐disc type wear tests indicated tribological behaviors were improved both for hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric/phenolic composite filled with MWCNTs and MWCNTs‐PS, especially for that of filled with MWCNTs‐PS. And the probable reason was also discussed based on the characterization results. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Linseed and Complex Rosin Ester Oils Additivated with MWCNTs and Nanopearls for Gears/Wheel‐Rail Systems

An innovative biolubricant for gears/wheel‐rail systems is formulated; it is produced inexpensively using high‐viscosity vegetable oils modified with additives of unpurified carbon nanopearls (CNPs) and MWCNTs produced via carbon‐vapor deposition. Traditional lubricants made from non‐renewable sources can be replaced with such additive‐based oils. The addition of both unpurified carbon nanopearls and nanotubes containing nanoparticles of Fe, Ni, Co, or SiO₂ is a simple way to improve the tribological properties of biolubricants. Therefore, carbon nanostructures used as additives are not required to be purified or functionalized, thus reducing production costs. Tribological testing is performed with ball‐on‐disc, four‐ball, and twin‐disc machines for two high‐viscosity biolubricants. A complex rosin ester and linseed oil additivated with commercial and raw CNPs/MWCNTs are tested. Scanning electron microscope characterization is used to assess the morphology and structure of both the carbon nanopearls and the multiwalled carbon nanotube particles in addition to the worn metal surfaces. Additionally, X‐ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy are used to characterize the MWCNTs additives. Practical Applications: Biolubricant additivation with raw unpurified MWCNTs and CNPs for enhanced tribological performance. Presence of Fe, Ni, Co, and Si nanoparticles helps fine‐tune the friction coefficient and anti‐wear rates. The proposed method may prove useful in biolubricant formulation for applications in gears/wheel‐rail and metal machining systems.     

Synergetic effect of fly ash cenospheres and multi-walled carbon nanotubes on mechanical and tribological properties of epoxy resin coatings

The multiform wear of friction pair components is the main cause of marine equipment failure and epoxy resin (EP) coatings have been widely used in this field. Fly ash cenospheres (FACs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used to reinforce the tribological properties of EP coatings. The synergetic effects of FACs and MWCNTs on the mechanical and tribological properties of EP coatings were studied. Experimental results show that the tensile and flexural properties of FACs-MWCNTs/EP composites are significantly reinforced. The tribological performance of EP composite coatings under seawater conditions is improved by the synergetic effect of FACs and MWCNTs, especially, the 10 wt.% FACs-1 wt.% MWCNTs/EP coatings behave the most excellent tribological properties. It indicates that FACs can increase the hardness of EP coatings and provide a smoother surface for the water film formation, which decreases the friction coefficient and wear volume. MWCNTs can increase the elasticity modulus of EP, and act as a rope to prevent EP matrix and FACs from being desquamated.     

Diamond-like carbon prepared by high density plasma

This paper will present physical and tribological properties of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition using a commercial RF high density plasma (HDP). The films have been prepared from acetylene or acetylene+hydrogen mixtures using a range of HDP conditions. The composition and optical properties of the DLC films have been characterized by forward recoil elastic scattering (FRES) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The tribological properties have been measured in ambient air and in dry nitrogen using a pin-on-flat tribometer. While the friction coefficients in air (<0.14) were mostly independent of the deposition conditions, the friction in dry nitrogen was affected by the deposition conditions, reaching values as low as 0.01. The wear rates of the HDP DLC films were extremely low. This paper will discuss the friction properties of these films in relation to the deposition conditions and their physical properties.     

Effect of carbonaceous counter electrodes on the performance of ZnO-graphene nanocomposites based dye sensitized solar cells

With many advantages like low-cost preparation, excellent electrical properties, and high catalytic activity; carbon allotropes are the most expected carbon materials to substitute the expensive Platinum (Pt) as counter electrodes (CEs) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In the present study, the photovoltaic behaviors of DSSCs fabricated with graphene, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and Pt films CEs, respectively, were compared. The graphene and MWCNTs CEs films were prepared by doctor blading the graphene and MWCNTs pastes on Indium tin oxides (ITOs) glass substrates. The structural, morphological, and compositional properties of these carbon CEs viz. graphene and MWCNTs were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), respectively. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed for the examination of electrochemical and catalytic properties of Pt as well as carbonaceous CEs. These low-cost graphene and MWCNTs CEs were employed in the sandwich-structured DSSCs having ZnO-graphene nanocomposite films as photoanodes. The photoconversion efficiency (η) values of as prepared DSSCs were measured under AM 1.5 illumination (100?mW?cm^?2). The DSSCs with graphene CE and MWCNTs CE performed with efficiency values of 2.26% and 2.04%, respectively. The performance of these carbonaceous CEs are comparative to that of Pt CE which indicates the practicability of carbon based nanomaterials in DSSCs as low cost alternatives to the expensive Pt.     

Tribological behaviors of polyurethane composites containing self‐lubricating microcapsules and reinforced by short carbon fibers

Self‐lubricating microcapsules containing methyl silicone oil as core materials, were prepared with poly(melamine‐formaldehyde) as shell material by in situ polymerization method. Combining with synergistic effect of the short carbon fibers (SCFs) which were systematically treated by liquid‐phase oxidation and chemical grafting, they were simultaneously adopted as reinforcing additives to improve the tribological and mechanical properties of polyurethane materials. The tribological behaviors and mechanical properties of the polyurethane composites have been investigated by a block‐on‐ring wear tester and electronic universal testing machine, respectively. The results indicate that the friction coefficient and wear rate of polyurethane composites without SCFs significantly decreased with increased self‐lubricating microcapsule concentration from 2.5 to 10 wt % due to the release of methyl silicone oil; meanwhile, the polyurethane composites filled with 10 wt % microcapsule and 15 wt % SCFs not only exhibited the lowest friction and wear behaviors, but also improved mechanical strength and thermal stability of polyurethane composites. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45331.     

Tribological properties of monolayer graphene oxide sheets as water-based lubricant additives

Application and tribological properties of graphene oxide (GO) monolayer sheets as additives in water-based lubricants were investigated. The lubricating fluids were applied to a sintered tungsten carbide ball and stainless steel flat plate. It was found that adding GO particles into water improved lubrication and provided a very low friction coefficient of approximately 0.05 with no obvious surface wear after 60,000 cycles of friction testing. GO adsorption occurred on the lubricated surfaces of both the ball and flat plate, suggesting GO sheets may behave as protective coatings.     

高分散稳定纳米金刚石润滑油的制备及其摩擦学性能

为了改善纳米金刚石颗粒(NDPs)在抗磨液压油(AHO)中的分散性,制备了酸氧化?高温热处理的NDPs (T-NDPs),将其与添加剂(油胺、聚异丁烯丁二酰亚胺T154和高碱值合成磺酸钙T106)混合后加入AHO中,制得含T-NDPs的AHO。用FESEM及Zeta电位仪、FT-IR和静态沉降法对其分散性进行表征,用四球摩擦磨损试验机、3D激光扫描显微镜和SEM/EDS对含T-NDPs的AHO的摩擦学性能和磨痕区域进行了分析。结果表明,酸氧化?高温热处理后,NDPs的平均粒径从270.2 nm降至153.5 nm,吸附添加剂后的T-NDPs的平均粒径为101.5 nm,添加剂可提高T-NDPs的油溶性并抑制其团聚,因而含T-NDPs的AHO具有良好的分散稳定性;T-NDPs含量为0.04wt%时,AHO的摩擦系数和磨斑直径比不加T-NDPs时分别降低13.2%和17.8%;T-NDPs作为润滑添加剂的减摩抗磨功效归因于其在摩擦界面起到支撑和滚动轴承的作用及在摩擦副表面参与润滑膜形成。     

Lubrication mechanism of graphene nanoplates as oil additives for ceramics/steel sliding components

Tribological behavior of Si₃N₄ ceramic/GCr15 steel components under lubrication of graphene was investigated and found that friction reduction and wear resistance of the sliding pairs were improved by 27% and 43%, respectively, after adding 0.075 wt% of graphene into the base oil. Herein, the lubrication mechanism of graphene nanoplates as oil additives was focused on to promote the practical application of graphene in hybrid ceramic bearings industry. In order to investigate the effect of oil film thickness on tribological properties, the viscosity of blended lubricating oil containing different concentration of graphene was measured and the oil film thickness between rubbing surfaces was calculated using a full numerical solution in point contacts. In addition, the rubbing surfaces were analyzed with combination of EDS and Raman technique. The results demonstrated that the viscosity of base oil and oil film thickness increased with addition of graphene. Graphene entered rubbing interface and prevented ceramic/steel pairs from mechanical contact. Lubrication mechanism including interlayer shearing, surface mending and protective film formation contributed to reduce the friction coefficient and worn scar diameter.     

Microstructure and tribological properties of in-situ TiC-C/Cu nanocomposites synthesized using different carbon sources (graphite,carbon nanotube and graphene) in the Cu-Ti-C system

For the first time, TiC-C/Cu nanocomposites were fabricated from a mixture of Cu, Ti and C powders by the use of different carbon sources (graphite, carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene) through two-step high energy mechanical milling and in-situ synthesis by annealing, to study the effect of carbon source on phases formation and tribological properties. The results showed the presence of Cu as the matrix, TiC and unreacted carbon phases in the microstructure of sintered samples, and relatively uniform distribution of the reinforcement phase in the copper matrix was obtained. With the decrease of carbon source size, the density of sintered nanocomposites was reduced. It was revealed that using the CNT and graphene as carbon sources results in finer TiC nanoparticles, which considerably improves the tribological properties of the nanocomposite. Using CNT and graphene as carbon sources led to 15% and 49% reduction in wear volume loss and 16% and 6% decrease in friction coefficient respectively, in compassion to using graphite.     

Study on the tribological properties of modified polyurethane material for water‐lubricated stern bearing

Polyurethane (PU) has been studied as alternative bearing material for marine water‐lubricated stern tube due to its excellent wear resistance, remarkable mechanical properties and so on. In this study, nine types of PU samples which are composed of different additives were prepared and tested in order to investigate their tribological properties under various working conditions. A pin‐on‐disc tribo‐tester was used to conduct tests. Then comparison analyses were conducted from three aspects, including the friction coefficient, wear mass loss, and the wear surface topography. The analysis results showed that: (1) the different additives as well as the mass fraction of these additives lead to significant difference in terms of tribological properties of PU; (2) the lubricating grease, as one of additives, improved the wear resistance and friction performance effectively; (3) modified PU is eligible to work as matrix because of satisfied mechanical properties and specific internal morphology. It is believed that understandings in this study are beneficial to the improvement of the tribological properties of PU and also provide the real practical basis for the studies of polymer materials which applied on water‐lubricated marine stern tube bearing. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46305.     

Increased thermal conductivity of liquid paraffin-based suspensions in the presence of carbon nano-additives of various sizes and shapes

The effect of adding carbon nanomaterials on the thermal conductivity of liquid paraffin-based suspensions was investigated. These included pristine and carboxyl-functionalized short multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), long MWCNTs, carbon nanofibers, and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). The thermal conductivity of the suspensions was measured using the transient hot-wire method at a constant temperature. The size, shape, and dispersion of the carbon additives were observed by microscopy, and the stability and viscosity of the suspensions were also characterized. It was shown that thermal conductivity of the suspensions increases with increasing the loading of the carbon additives and the extent of relative increase depends strongly on their size and shape. Of the various carbon nanomaterials examined, GNPs caused greatest increase due to reduced thermal interface resistance associated with their two-dimensional planar structure. The viscosity of GNP-based suspensions decreases at relatively high loadings, whereas a monotonic increase was observed for suspensions with all the other carbon additives.     

Influence of surface modification of carbon nanotube on microstructures and properties of polyamide 66/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites

The melt‐mixing polyamide 66 (PA66) composite samples that incorporated pure, acid‐ and amine‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared in order to enhance mechanical and frictional properties of PA66 composites. The homogeneous dispersion of amine‐functionalized MWCNTs (D‐MWCNTs) in PA66 matrix was observed from the significantly uniform morphology of tensile fractured surface of the composites. Differential scanning calorimetry measurement indicates that D‐MWCNTs acted as effective nucleation agent for PA66 matrix and the crystallinity of PA66 was increased. The fracture stress and tensile modulus of the composites were significantly improved with the incorporation of D‐MWCNTs, owing to the good dispersion of D‐MWCNTs. Compared with PA66, the PA66 composites with 1.0 wt% D‐MWCNTs were improved considerably in both wear and friction properties owing to the change of the tribological mechanisms. The good dispersion of D‐MWCNTs in PA66 and good interface compatibility between D‐MWCNTs and PA66 favored the formation of a thin layer on the contact surfaces during wear and friction test, which played an important role in reducing wear and friction of the composite and in suppressing the transverse cracks. These results prove the importance of D‐MWCNTs in a positive change of the mechanical and frictional properties of PA66 composites and suggest the applicability prospect of PA66/D‐MWCNTs composites in engineering components.POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

硬质合金刀具类金刚石涂层的摩擦磨损性能

以等离子体化学气相沉积技术在硬质合金刀具表面制备了类金刚石(DLC)涂层.研究了DLC涂层刀具和无涂层刀具的硬度,不同载荷、不同转速下两种刀具的摩擦磨损性能,以及在水润滑和油润滑条件下DLC涂层刀具的滑动摩擦行为.结果表明,DLC涂层刀具的平均硬度为2 099.9 HV,比无涂层刀具提高了48.3%;DLC涂层刀具的摩擦因数明显低于无涂层刀具,其磨损率随着载荷的增加而增大,随转速的增大而减小;油润滑比水润滑能更有效减缓摩擦作用.     

Functionalization of multi-wall carbon nanotubes to reduce the coefficient of the friction and improve the wear resistance of multi-wall carbon nanotube/epoxy composites

Functionalization of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was achieved by grafting carboxyl groups and amino groups. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to detect the changes produced by functional groups on the surface of the MWCNTs. Three different MWCNTs were incorporated into epoxy resin and the friction and wear behavior of MWCNT/epoxy composites was investigated using a M-2000 wear testing machine at different sliding speeds under different applied loads. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the worn surfaces of the samples. The results indicated that the functional groups had been grafted on the surface of MWCNTs. Compared with neat epoxy, the composites with MWCNTs showed a lower friction coefficient and wear rate, and the wear rate decreased with the increase of MWCNT loading. Combining epoxy resin with MWCNTs is an efficient method to improve the wear resistance and decrease the coefficient of friction.     

Functionalization of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and their effect on the tribological properties of poly(ether ether ketone) composites

A series of copolymers containing conjugated fluorene groups as a compatibilizer to improve the dispersion of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared and used to improve the wear resistance of poly(ether ether ketone)/graphite (PEEK/GP) composites. The solubility of MWCNTs had a maximum at a concentration ratio of 2:1 polymer:MWCNTs. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that polymer ? MWCNT interactions were capable of partially debundling the nanotubes in chloroform, with individual nanotubes or small bundles clearly observed. The tribological properties of PEEK composites incorporating the modified MWCNTs were investigated using a pin‐on‐disc apparatus and a block‐on‐ring apparatus. The PEEK composites had a lower frictional coefficient under the block‐on‐ring testing condition, but a lower wear rate was achieved in the pin‐on‐disc test. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

The influence of carbon materials on the absorption performance of polymer-derived SiCN ceramics in X-band

Carbon-containing polymer-derived SiCN ceramics (PDCs-SiCN-C) were successfully fabricated with multi-layer graphene (MLG) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as additives at 1100?°C. The effects of MLG and MWCNTs on the microwave absorption properties of PDCs-SiCN-C ceramics were analyzed. The imaginary permittivity and loss tangent of SiCN-MLG and SiCN-MWCNTs were about 3.4, 0.67 at 11.2?GHz and 3.1, 0.57 at 10.6?GHz, respectively. The minimum reflection loss of SiCN-MLG and SiCN-MWCNTs at 3?mm was ??54?dB and ??48?dB with the effective absorption bandwidth (RL ≤ ?10?dB, >90% absorption) about 1.5?GHz and 0.9?GHz in X-band.     

Tribological behavior of polyetheretherketone composites containing short carbon fibers and potassium titanate whiskers in dry sliding against steel

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites reinforced by short carbon fibers (SCF) and potassium titanate whiskers (PTW) were prepared using twin‐screw extrusion compounding and injection molding. The tribological properties of hybrid composites were investigated in dry sliding condition against steel. The effects of filler contents on the wear behavior were studied. It was found that the hybrid composite showed an excellent tribological property in dry sliding condition. Applied load had great effect on the tribological behavior of the composites. In most cases, the friction coefficient of the composite decreased with the load rising. The composites with higher CF contents showed outstanding tribological performances at low load but could worsen the wear behavior at high load. Because of the positive effect of PTW, high PTW loading composites presented low wear rate at low load. At high loads, the composites with lower PTW contents had better wear resistance. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation revealed that abrasion wear was attributed to the lower wear resistance of the high PTW content composite at high load. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Improvements in tribological properties of polyoxymethylene by aramid short fiber and polytetrafluoroethylene

In order to improve tribological properties of polyoxymethylene (POM), the effects of aramid short fibers (ASF) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) solid lubricants, as two classes of additives, were studied. The appropriate composites of the polymer and the additives were prepared by melt mixing process. Distribution of additives in the polymer matrix was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical properties in tension such as modulus of elasticity, yield stress, and stress-at-break as well as the fracture energy in impact test were studied to explore friction and wear mechanisms of the composites against a smooth steel surface. Tribological measurements showed that both additives reduce friction and wear of the POM. However, both additives reduced fracture energy of POM in impact test, which dismisses the role of abrasive mechanism of wear under applied conditions. On the other hand, tensile results showed that addition of ASF mechanically reinforces POM, while PTFE degrades mechanical properties of this polymer, especially yield stress. Considering the role of yield stress in the adhesive mechanism of friction and wear, this property was used to define tribological behavior of samples. Since ASF induces mechanical stiffening to POM, increase in yield stress improves tribological properties. However, PTFE introduces transfer films at the interface, thus reduction of yield stress is in favor of tribological properties of this composite. Finally, it is shown that frictional heating and contact temperature rise has a significant degrading effect on wear resistance.