Experimental Study on the Tribological Properties of Powder Lubrication under Plane Contact

Powder lubrication has been studied using a plane contact tribometer. Four kinds of powders—polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), graphite, MoS₂, and ball-like copper—were used during the experiments. The results show that powder can be introduced into frictional clearance without any special treatment. The powder's physical properties significantly influence the tribological characteristics in the powder lubrication. The friction coefficient and wear are obviously decreased when the powders are PTFE, graphite, and MoS₂, which are excellent solid lubricants. At lower load capacity, powder lubrication using ball-like copper had certain antifriction effects, but it rapidly became worse with increasing load capacity. Observation with optical microscopy showed that the lubricant film is dynamically formed on the rubbing surfaces in most experiments.     

A study of the influence of steam treatment on the tribological behaviour of steel specimens

The influence of steam treatment (ST) on the tribological behaviour of steel was assessed by Falex, Schwingungsreibverschleiss (SRV) and Amsler tests performed either under dry conditions or using solid MoS₂, graphite, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or grease lubricants. ST produced a thin layer of magnetite containing small quantities of haematite. MoS₂ was found to be the best lubricant in Falex tests with normal test pieces. Only greaselubricated Amsler couples withstood the full testing cycle. The SRV tests were inconclusive because the endurance time was too short, only a few seconds with MoS₂ lubrication.The influence of ST varied in the Falex tests. No improvement was found with grease-lubricated journals and the load-carrying capacity of MoS₂-lubricated test pieces was decreased. However, it was beneficial for PTFE lubrication. In the Amsler tests the grease-lubricated disks were crazed and magnetite splinters were removed. The performance of the graphite lubricant was lowered by ST and the median lives of MoS₂- or PTFE-lubricated couples were increased although their reliability was impaired. In SRV tests, ST improved the performance of grease and MoS₂-lubricated test pieces. The test results do not confirm the reported improved behaviour of ST components, particularly cutting tools, in workshop practice.     

Solid Film Lubrication of Worm Gears

A study was conducted to determine the feasibility of lubricating worm gears with bonded solid film lubricants. An apparatus for determining gear efficiency and lubrican film wear-life was fabricated. Several tests using conventional oil lubrication were conducted to establish baseline gear efficiency data. Efficiency and wear-life tests were made with four solid lubricant films, two of them incorporating MoS₂ and Sb₂O₃ in organic polyimide resin binders, and two using MoS₂, graphite and gold or bismuth in an aluminum phosphate or sodium silicate binder. Experimental data indicate that solid film lubrication of worm gears is feasible, without a serious loss of efficiency in situations where limited wear-life is acceptable.     

Friction and Wear Behaviors of Ag/MoS2/G Composite in Different Atmospheres and at Different Temperatures

Silver-based composite with 15?vol% MoS₂ and with 5?vol% graphite was prepared by powder metallurgy method. The impacts of the counterface materials, atmosphere, and temperature on the tribological behavior of the composite were investigated. It was found that when sliding against brass less effective lubricating film formed, causing a higher friction and wear comparing with ASTM-1045 steel. With the increasing proportion of oxygen in the O₂/N₂ atmosphere, the wear rate and friction coefficient ascended slightly. At 200?°C, the combination lubrication of graphite, MoS₂, and Ag contributed to a low friction coefficient (0.07) and wear rate (6.56?×?10^?6?mm³/Nm). At 400?°C, graphite lost its lubricating role, while silver became excessively soft. Large amount of MoS₂ was oxidized into MoO_3, and the residual MoS₂ formed some island-like lubricating films. Severe adhesive wear occurred on the contact surface, which led to a high friction coefficient (0.25) and a great increase of the wear rate (23.2?×?10^?6?mm³/Nm). At 600?°C, a relatively low friction coefficient (0.1) was obtained because of the formation of high-temperature solid lubricants, (Ag₂Mo₄O₁₃ and Ag₂Mo₂O₇) and liquid Ag₂Mo₂O₇. However, the wear rate at 600?°C was the highest (32.6?×?10^?6?mm³/Nm) due to the thick transfer layer.     

Ultralow Friction of Solids Exposed to Intensive Irradiation

Friction behavior of organic (polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene) and inorganic (molybdenum and tungsten disulfides, and graphite) lubricants sliding on steel in vacuum, with the friction surface simultaneously bombarded by an accelerated helium flux was studied. At a dose rate of about 10¹² erg/sec all the substances named except polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) showed a drastic decrease in friction coefficients to below 0.002, which is the sensitivity limit of the device used. In polyethylene (PE), MoS₂ and WS₂, the effect persisted through the whole period of exposure and gradually subsided after the irradiation was ceased. In graphite the effect was relatively short and disappeared abruptly during irradiation. It has been demonstrated that the phenomenon in question cannot be explained in terms of the known lubrication mechanisms, such as the “gas cushion” or electrostatic effects. Some preliminary suggestions as to the possible mechanism of the effect have been made.     

Effect of the Synergetic Action on Tribological Characteristics of Ni-Based Composites Containing Multiple-Lubricants

Ni-based self-lubricating composites with multiple-lubricants addition were prepared by a powder metallurgy technique, and the effect of multiple-lubricants on tribological properties was investigated from room temperature to 700?°C. The synergetic effects of graphite, MoS₂, and metallic silver lubricants on the tribological characteristics of composites were analyzed. XRD analysis showed that new Cr _x S _y and Mo₂C phase were formed in the composites containing graphite, MoS₂ and metallic Ag lubricants during the sintering process. The average friction coefficients (0.69?C0.22) and wear rates (11.90?C0.09?×?10^?5?mm³?N^?1?m^?1) were obtained when rubbing against Inconel 718 alloy from room temperature to 700?°C due to synergetic lubricating action of multiple-lubricants. A smooth lubricating was gradually generated on the worn surface, and the improving of tribological properties was attributed to the formation of lubricious glaze film on the worn surface and their partially transferred to the counterface. The graphite played the main role of lubrication at room temperature, while molybdate phase and graphite were responsible for low friction coefficients and wear rates at mid/high temperatures. The synergetic lubricating effect of molybdate (produced in the rubbing process at high temperatures) iron oxide (transfer from disk material to the pin) and remaining graphite multiple-lubricants play an important lubricating role during friction tests at a wide temperature range.     

Statistical analysis of process parameters in drilling of AL/SICP metal matrix composite

Four micro-holes were made using micro-EDM on rake face of the cemented carbide (WC/TiC/Co) tools. MoS₂, CaF₂, and graphite solid lubricants were respectively embedded into the four micro-holes to form self-lubricated tools (SLT-1, SLT-2, and SLT-3). Dry machining tests on hardened steel were carried out with these self-lubricated tools and conventional tools (SLT-4). The cutting forces, average friction coefficient between tool and chip, and tool wear were measured and compared. It was shown that the cutting forces and tool wear of self-lubricated tools were clearly reduced compared with those of the SLT-4 conventional tool. The SLT-1 self-lubricated tool embedded with MoS₂ just exhibited lower friction coefficient between tool and chip in cutting speed of less than 100?m/min; the SLT-2 self-lubricated tool embedded with CaF₂ possessed lower friction coefficient in cutting speed of more than 100?m/min; and the SLT-3 self-lubricated tool embedded with graphite accomplished good lubricating behaviors steadily under the test conditions. It is indicated that cemented carbide inserts with four micro-holes on rake face embedded with appropriate solid lubricants on rake face is an effective way to reduce cutting forces and rake wear.     

A comparative study on the performance of boric acid with several conventional lubricants in metal forming processes

During metal forming, lubricants are necessary to prevent direct contact, adhesion, transfer, and scuffing of workpiece materials and tools. The lubricating action of boric acid is due to its layered crystalline structure, and is similar to the structure of MoS₂ and graphite. However, boric acid lubrication could offer distinct advantages in terms of its application prior to forming and removal after a forming operation since it can be dispensed using water and alcohol solutions, raising the possibility of being environmentally friendly. Its effectiveness under actual conditions of metal forming operations such as rolling, forging, and sheet metal drawing and stretching has been evaluated in this study with both ferrous and non-ferrous work materials. It was found that boric acid provided lowest friction in sheet drawing and stretching operations, which is attributed to its lattice layer structure that facilitates easy sliding between molecular layers. Under predominantly compressive conditions of forming, liquid or semi-solid lubricants have performed better as they could squeeze out along with forwarding workpiece surfaces. The findings presented in this paper increase the prospect for developing boric acid as an effective lubricant in the cold forming of materials under certain conditions.     

In Situ Raman Observations of the Formation of MoDTC-Derived Tribofilms at Steel/Steel Contact Under Boundary Lubrication

ABSTRACT

In this study, the time-dependent formation process of molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC)-derived tribofilms at steel/steel contact under boundary lubrication was investigated by using an in situ Raman tribometer. Especially, we focused on the effects of zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) concentration in MoDTC solution on MoDTC tribofilm formation process. A laboratory-built in situ Raman tribometer was used to evaluate friction and the formation process of MoDTC-derived tribofilms. All our results clearly suggest that there is an optimum ZDDP concentration in MoDTC solution for promoting the formation of MoS₂ tribofilms on the sliding surfaces, and there is also a threshold value for the formation rate of MoS₂ on the sliding surface for achieving low friction under lubrication with MoDTC-containing lubricants.     

Investigation of the effect of additives to lubricant Litol-24 on abrasive wearing of steel under sliding friction

The structure of a three-ball friction machine developed for testing lubricants is described and its advantages over the four-ball one in tests with sliding friction are shown. Using the developed machine and the testing procedure, a lubricant grease Litol-24 was subjected to testing with additions of solid lubricants (graphite powder and MoS₂) and organic dopes containing P, Cl, S, and O. According to results of investigation of their lubricity in conditions of boundary friction with abrasives, the optimal formulations of lubricants have been determined.     

Lubrication at 750°C in a vacuum by a transfer film from self‐lubricating composites for roll/slide contact of Si3N4

Roll/slide friction tests were carried out at a temperature of 750°C in a vacuum. Disc specimens were made of Si₃N₄ with or without a sputtered MoS₂ film. A pin specimen was rubbed against one disc to supply a lubricating transfer film. With a pin made of an MoS₂‐based composite, the friction coefficient was around 0.3 and almost no wear of the discs was observed after 24 h of operation at a load of 50 N, a rotating speed of 0.5 m/s, and a slip ratio of 10%. Transferred patchy MoS₂ films were observed on the friction track. With a pin made of Ni‐based composite containing BN and graphite, the friction coefficient increased from 0.2 to 0.7 over a test time of about 8 h and severe disc wear was found. In an additional test using Si₃N₄ discs with a sputtered MoS₂ film without a pin, the friction coefficient was about 0.3, and no wear of the discs was found after 24 h of operation. The appearance of the friction track was similar to that in the test using the MoS₂‐based composite pin. It seems that the sputtered MoS₂ film wore, but wear particles reattached on the friction path to develop an effective lubricating film. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of transfer film lubrication for long‐term operation in a high‐temperature vacuum, and the superior ability of MoS₂ to develop an effective transfer film.     

The effect of lubricant additives on friction and wear studies of polyphenylene sulphide

Polyphenylene sulphide is a polymer with good thermal stability and high crystallinity. This paper summarizes the results of friction and wear studies of polyphenylene sulphide and its composites made with conventional solid lubricants to ascertain the suitability of the material as a matrix for solid lubricant additives. The polymer itself has a high coefficient of friction. Wear rate increases with load and speed. Addition of solid lubricant additives helps in improving the friction and wear of the polymer. Composites with MoS₂-Sb₂O₃ and PTFE gave better results than composites made by the addition of graphite and MoS₂ graphite. Wear rate of these composites increased with load and speed; but load and speed had little effect on friction.     

Synergistic Effect of Nano-MoS<Subscript>2</Subscript> and Anatase Nano-TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> on the Lubrication Properties of MoS<Subscript>2</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Nano-Clusters

A MoS₃ precursor deposited on anatase nano-TiO₂ is heated at 450 °C in an H₂ atmosphere to synthesize MoS₂/TiO₂ nano-clusters. The nano-clusters are then characterized, and their tribological properties are evaluated. MoS₂ is found to be composed of layered structures with 1–10 nm thicknesses, 10–30 nm lengths, and 0.63–0.66 nm layer distances. The MoS₂ sizes in the MoS₂/TiO₂ nano-clusters are smaller and their layer distances are larger than those of pure nano-MoS₂. The MoS₂/TiO₂ nano-clusters also present a lower average friction coefficient than pure nano-MoS₂, but the anti-wear properties of both the nano-clusters and pure nano-MoS₂ are similar. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates that nano-TiO₂ and the element Mo are transferred to the friction surface from the MoS₂/TiO₂ nano-clusters through a tribochemical reaction. This produces a lubrication film containing TiO₂, MoO₃, and other chemicals. The nano-MoS₂ changes in size and layer distance when combined with nano-TiO₂, producing a synergistic effect. This may further be explained using a micro-cooperation model between MoS₂ nano-platelets and TiO₂ solid nanoparticles.     

Effect of KMnO4 oxidant additive on solid lubrication of lead-graphite and silver-graphite composites

The purpose of this investigation is to understand the role of KMnO₄ as an oxidant additive on the lubrication properties of a soft metal + graphite composite system, under flat contact sliding conditions where the sliding surfaces interact less with the atmosphere. The sliding tests were made using a ring-on-disk machine, lubricated with Pb or Ag + graphite composite containing different amounts of KMnO₄ additive. The results showed that the addition of KMnO₄ in the composites reduced the friction in air up to temperatures of 500°C. The coefficient of friction was as low as 0.1. This is probably due to the fact that KMnO₄ decomposed during sliding to generate oxygen, which is effective in improving the lubricating ability of graphite. The optimum concentration of KMnO₄ in the solid lubricants (graphite + KMnO₄) was 5–10 vol.%. After decomposition of all oxidant additive in the composite, the coefficient of friction of the composites, however, rose to 0.2–0.3.     

Tribological behaviour of MoS2 and inorganic fullerene-like WS2 nanoparticles under boundary and mixed lubrication regimes

Abstract

For several years different types of nanoparticles have been considered and studied as potential friction modifying lubricant additives. Some nanoparticles can reduce the friction coefficient by 30–70%, depending on the base oil and the experimental conditions. In the present study, an experimental analysis on tribological properties of inorganic fullerene-like metal dichalcogenides was performed in comparison with MoS₂ 2H layered structures. Tribological tests were carried out on a pin on disc tribometer in ambient air. Several contact conditions are analysed in order to realise boundary and mixed lubrication regimes. The experimental study was performed on a mineral base oil, and particle concentration effects were analysed. Antifriction properties were evaluated by measuring the friction coefficient and are presented as generalised Stribeck diagrams. Inorganic fullerene-like WS₂ and MoS₂ nanoparticles present interesting friction reduction properties when tested in boundary and mixed lubrication.     

The comparisons of sliding speed and normal load effect on friction coefficients of self-mated Si3N4 and SiC under water lubrication

The effects of sliding speed and normal load on friction coefficients of self-mated Si₃N₄ and SiC sliding in water after running-in in water were investigated with pin-on-disk apparatus at sliding speeds of 30 to 120 mm/s, normal loads of 1 to 14 N in ambient condition. The results showed that, after running-in in water, for two kinds of self-mated ceramics, friction coefficient increases with both decreasing sliding speed and increasing normal load when normal load is larger than a critical normal load. Friction coefficient was independent of normal load when normal load is smaller than the critical load. The lubrication film of Si₃N₄ under water lubrication exhibited larger load carrying capacity than that of SiC did. Stribeck curves indicated that, for self-mated Si₃N₄ ceramics, hydrodynamic lubrication will change into boundary lubrication abruptly when the sommerfeld number is less than a critical value; while for self-mated SiC ceramics, hydrodynamic lubrication will change into mixed lubrication and then into boundary lubrication gradually when the sommerfeld number is below critical value.     

Multi-environmental lubrication performance and lubrication mechanism of MoS2/Sb2O3/C composite films

MoS₂–Sb₂O₃–C composite films exhibit adaptive behavior, where surface chemistry changes with environment to maintain the good friction and wear characteristics. In previous work on nanocomposite coatings grown by PVD, this type of material was called a “chameleon” coating. Coatings used in this report were applied by burnishing mixed powders of MoS₂, Sb₂O₃ and graphite. The solid lubricant MoS₂ and graphite were selected to lubricate over a wide and complementary range including vacuum, dry air and humid air. Sb₂O₃ was used as a dopant because it acts synergistically with MoS₂, improving friction and wear properties. The MoS₂–Sb₂O₃–C composite films showed lower friction and longer wear life than either single component MoS₂ or C film in humid air. Very or even super low friction and long wear-life were observed in dry nitrogen and vacuum. The excellent tribological performance was verified and repeated in cycles between humid air and dry nitrogen. The formation of tribo-films at rubbing contacts was studied to identify the lubricating chemistry and microstructure, which varied with environmental conditions. Micro-Raman spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) were used to determine surface chemistry, while scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used for microstructural analysis. The tribological improvement and lubrication mechanism of MoS₂–Sb₂O₃–C composite films were caused by enrichment of the active lubricant at the contact surface, alignment of the crystal orientation of the lubricant grains, and enrichment of the non lubricant materials below the surface. Sb₂O₃, which is not lubricious, was covered by the active lubricants (MoS₂ – dry, C – humid air). Clearly, the dynamics of friction during environmental cycling cleaned some Sb₂O₃ particles of one lubricant and coated it with the active lubricant for the specific environment. Mechanisms of lubrication and the role of the different materials will be discussed.     

An Investigation on the Reduced Ability of IF-MoS2 Nanoparticles to Reduce Friction and Wear in the Presence of Dispersants

Inorganic fullerene-like molybdenum disulfide (IF-MoS₂) nanoparticles are known to exhibit great friction and wear-reducing abilities in severe boundary lubrication regimes, when added to a base oil alone. Their use in fully formulated lubricants was investigated in this study, and the tribological benefits attributed to the IF-MoS₂ nanoparticles were found to be lost in the presence of dispersants. Various experimental techniques were used on three reference oils (base oil containing only IF-MoS_2, only dispersants and both IF-MoS₂ and dispersants) in order to understand the effect of succinimide-based dispersants on the three phases needed for effective nanoparticle-based lubrication, namely (1) the passing of the nanoparticles through the contact (2) the exfoliation of the IF-MoS₂ inside the contact and (3) the adhesion of the released MoS₂ platelets on the friction surfaces. The dispersants were shown to improve the dispersion of the nanoparticles in the oil by reducing their agglomeration, but prevented the adhesion of a low-friction MoS₂ tribofilm on the steel surfaces. In-situ contact visualization revealed that the well-dispersed nanoparticles passed through the contact and exfoliated nanoparticles were observed after tribological testing. These results imply that nanoparticle dispersion itself does not seem to be an issue concerning nanoparticle effectiveness, even though the reduced agglomerate size and inertia may have affected nanoparticle flow near the contact, as well as entrapment and exfoliation conditions inside the contact. The use of succinimide-based dispersants may, however, have affected the tribochemistry of the contact, by an excessive adsorption on the steel surfaces and/or by encapsulating the released MoS₂ platelets, preventing tribofilm adhesion. A balance was finally found between nanoparticle dispersion and friction reduction, but for very low dispersant concentrations and after a running-in period. The role of succinimide-based dispersants and their effect on nanoparticle lubrication were discussed in the light of these results.     

The effect of a friction modifier on piston ring and cylinder bore friction and wear

The addition of friction modifiers to crankcase lubricants has been shown to significantly reduce the mechanical losses of critical components in internal combustion (ic) engine; thereby improving fuel economy.In this study the friction and wear of a piston ring/cylinder bore material combination was studied using a pin-on-plate laboratory tribo-test machine developed to reproduce the wear mechanisms encountered in an ic engine. Two lubricants were evaluated: (i) a standard SAE 30 grade diesel formulation, and (ii) the same formulation with the addition of a 5% soluble MoS₂ friction modifier.Analysis of the wear results identified three periods of wear: (1) running-in, (2) transient wear and (3) terminal wear. Throughout this study particular emphasis has been placed on the simulation of the wear mechanisms occurring within engines. Surface analysis confirmed that both abrasive wear and delamination wear was produced.Friction benefits attributable to the addition of MoS₂ friction modifier were obtained. However, under specific conditions the wear rate increased due to increased abrasion of the plate.     

Theoretical investigation of transient elastohydrodynamic lubrication with newtonian solid‐liquid lubricants

This paper reports a theoretical investigation of transient elastohydrodynamic lubrication of a line contact. A time‐dependent Reynolds equation and elasticity equations for compressible solid‐liquid lubricants were solved using finite volume and multigrid techniques. The lubricants used were mineral oils mixed with very small solid particles, MoS₂ and PTFE, which can be treated as Newtonian fluids. The two surfaces were initially at rest and in contact. The transient oil film pressure and oil film thickness were calculated numerically. This simulation showed the significant effects of solid particles on the lubrication characteristics.