Viscoelastic behaviour effect of hyaluronic acid on reciprocating flow inside mini‐channel

One of the most successful surgeries during the 21^st century is total joint replacement (TJR) with material combination of polymer‐on‐metal (PoM). Despite its success, wear particle generation at the interface of the polymer and metal causes eventually implant loosening. Investigating and understanding the wear particles distribution should help in designing implants with better performances. First step towards characterising wear particle distribution is deriving the lubricant behaviour and velocity distribution inside implant gap. Different hyaluronic acid (HA) solutions were subjected to a sinusoidal movement in straight rectangular channels. The velocity profiles along the channel width were measured with Micro Particle Image Velocimetry. HA solution behaviour was found to be dependent on the concentration. Results showed significant differences between the water (Newtonian) and HA behaviour in unsteady flow. The unsteady behaviour of the lubricant depended strongly on its non‐Newtonian viscoelastic behaviour which was due to the time dependent nature of HA solution. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The synthesis and tribological behaviour of boron‐nitrogen‐modified fatty acid water‐based lubricant additives

A new type of boron‐nitrogen‐midified fatty acid as a water‐based lubricant additive was prepared and the chemical structure characterised by infrared spectroscopy. The tribological properties of the additive in water were evaluated using friction testers. The morphologies and tribochemical species of worn surfaces were analysed by means of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that the additive is very good at increasing the losdcarrying capacity and the antiwear and friction‐reducing properties of wter. A lubrication mechanism is inferred in which a lhigh‐strength adsorption film and a tribochemical reaction film form on the rubbing surfaces as a resuly of the carrier effect of long‐chain fatty acid molecules, the high reaction activities of nitrogen, and the electron deficiency of boron, as well as the interactions of these factors.     

Anti‐wear performance of organomolybdenum compounds as lubricant additives

A four‐ball tester was used to evaluate the anti‐wear performance of three kinds of organomolybdemun compounds in engine oils and lithium soap grease, i.e. molybdenum dialkyldithiophosphate (MoDDP), molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate (MoDTC), and sulphur‐ and phosphorus‐free organomolybdeum (molybdate). The results indicate that a low concentration of MoDDP does not improve the anti‐wear properties of the commercial engine oils, but a high concentration of MoDDP can obviously improve the anti‐wear properties of the engine oils. MoDTC does not improve the anti‐wear properties of the engine oils, but worsens the anti‐wear properties of the oils. Significant improvement of the anti‐wear properties is obtained with molybdate added in the four fully formulated oils. Both MoDDP and molybdate have good anti‐wear properties in the lithium soap grease, especially MoDDP with a high concentration. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Some comments on micro‐abrasion interactions of pure metals in bio‐oils

An attempt has been made to study the effect of bio‐oils on the two‐ and three‐body abrasion process of pure metals and steel. The equipment used was a micro‐abrasion tester (TE‐66, Phoenix Tribology (Plint)). The materials considered were mild steel, copper, and aluminium, being the most usable and basic materials for industrial applications such as bearings and gear assemblies. The results were used to identify transitions between wear regimes as a function of sliding speed and load. The effect on the abrasion process in the presence of various lubricant oils was also assessed. The mechanisms of abrasion with and without particles were characterised.     

Tribological properties of h‐BN nanoparticles as lubricant additive on cylinder liner and piston ring

Friction and wear behaviour of different concentrations of hex‐boron nitride (h‐BN) nanoparticles in engine oil of grade SAE 20W50 were studied at various loads. These tribological studies were conducted using a four‐ball wear test machine and a pin‐on‐disc universal tribometer. Anti‐wear properties of SAE 20W50 + h‐BN were studied on the four‐ball wear test machine as per ASTM D4172 standard. Friction and wear properties of SAE 20W50 + h‐BN on piston ring and cylinder liner tribo‐pair were studied using the universal tribometer. Nanoparticles of h‐BN mixed in lubricant showed excellent tribological performance. In most of the cases, h‐BN nanoparticles as additive reduced the wear loss by 30–70% at various loads. The minimum value of coefficient of friction (0.0401) was found with SAE 20W50 + 3 wt% of h‐BN at normal load of 100 N. Scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used for characterisation of h‐BN and wear scars. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Tribological properties of non‐ferrous coating lubricated with rapeseed oil containing lubricant additives

With the increasing requirements of environmental protection, using lead, hexavalent chromium and other heavy metals will be prohibited in different surface coatings. In this paper, the non‐ferrous CrN coatings and the rapeseed oil were chosen as friction pair and biodegradable lubricant. The tribology properties were investigated using SRV‐IV reciprocating friction wear test. The worn surface of CrN coatings was observed and analysed using scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicate that the rapeseed oil containing 1 wt.% MoZn (MoDTC (molybdenum dithiocarbamate) + ZnDTP (zinc dithiophosphate) (1 : 3)) exhibits better friction‐reducing properties than the rapeseed oil containing 1 wt.% PN (an amine salt of an alkoxylphosphate) additives, whereas the rapeseed oil containing 1 wt.% PN additive exhibits better wear resistance properties than the rapeseed oil containing 1 wt.% MoZn additives. This is partly attributed to the tribophysical and tribochemical reactions between the lubricant and the CrN coating sliding surfaces. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Eco‐friendly base fluids for lubricant oil formulations

There is an increasing move towards the use of environmentally safe lubricants. However, the development of a common biodegradable base stock that could replace conventional ones is a big challenge. Synthetic lubricants, whether synthetic hydrocarbons, organic esters, or others, all have problems associated with their use. However, in general terms synthetic lubricants protect better, last longer, and outperform their conventional mineral‐based counterparts in certain applications. Future lubricant specifications in view of the demand for improved performance to meet stringent environmental regulations are the main drivers for new technological developments. As part of a study to produce polyol ester lubricant base stocks from C₅ polyols and C₆‐C₁₄ carboxylic acids in the presence of eco‐friendly catalysts, a series of products has been synthesised. A biodegradable lubricant formulation for automotive transmission fluids has been developed based on a synthesised product as a base fluid. This paper reports on the physico‐chemical characteristics and performance evaluation results of this formulation, which is a promising base stock for automotive transmission fluids.     

Axisymmetric squeezing of a Phan‐Thien and Tanner lubricant film under imposed constant load in the presence of a poroelastic medium

In this paper, a modified Reynolds equation in polar coordinates using the Phan‐Thien and Tanner rheological model is combined with a modified Darcy law describing a poroelastic confining surface. The Phan‐Thien and Tanner model is commonly used to describe the viscoelastic behaviour of synovial fluid, while the poroelastic model can portray articular cartilage. Together, they may provide a simulation basis for lubrication of the tribology of the knee contact under squeezing. The results obtained for the axisymmetric case are analysed and compared for certain non‐Newtonian shear phenomena on the basis of works from the literature. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Morphological changes of poly(DI‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) nano‐particles containing ascorbic acid during in vitro degradation process

Poly(dl ‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) powder composed of uniform particles with the mean particle size in the range of 110–170 nm was obtained from commercial granules. Ascorbic acid in different concentrations was encapsulated into the poly(dl ‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) particles. Degradation of the latter in terms of morphological changes in the physiological solution was followed. Within a period of 2 months, the particles completely degrade and all the ascorbic acid is released. The samples were characterized by ultraviolet spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.     

Tribological behaviour of polymeric coatings. Part I. Aramid particle‐reinforced epoxy nanocomposite systems

An epoxy‐based nanocomposite containing a low concentration of nanometric TiO₂ (4 vol. %), graphite powder (7.21 vol. %), and 2–14 vol. % aramid particles was developed as a coating material. The mechanical and tribological performance of the composites was investigated. The epoxy filled only with TiO₂ possessed significantly improved impact strength and flexural properties, whereas the further incorporation of graphite and aramid particles had a deleterious effect on most of the mechanical properties, except the modulus. The tribological behaviour of the composites was tested in sliding and fretting modes. Under sliding conditions, the addition of nanometric TiO₂ alone significantly improved the wear resistance and decreased the coefficient of friction compared to the neat epoxy. The sliding wear and friction behaviour was further enhanced with the incorporation of graphite and aramid particles. Contrary to the sliding wear behaviour, the fretting wear and friction behaviour was worse for the epoxy filled only with TiO₂, but was significantly enhanced by the incorporation of graphite and aramid particles. The optimum aramid particle content for sliding and fretting wear of the epoxy‐based nanocomposite was determined as 10 vol. %.     

Friction and wear effects on a micro/nano‐scale

In this paper are described tribological effects which can be found in micro‐tribological systems, and in those macro‐systems which can be analysed by micro‐methods, e.g., by atomic force microscopy (AFM) or related methods. Micro‐tribology systems have friction contacts with loads in the micro/nano‐newton range and/or dimensions in the micro/nanometre range. Experiments on the micro/nano‐scale should be easier to explain by theoretical modelling due to their simpler system structure. An example is discussed of adhesion and friction measurements between AFM tips and clean, flat, solid surfaces in ultra‐high vacuum, which shows some of the special aspects of micro/nano‐tribology. Surprising friction characteristics on surfaces with an artificial micro‐structure can be explained by skilled and careful topographical analysis of the friction path with an AFM. In micro‐sensor contacts, ‘single wear events’ can be detected using AFM analysis of the contact region. For ceramic compounds, different friction levels for the components of the material can be found. The problems, difficulties, and dangers of misinterpretation are also discussed.     

The chemistry,mechanism and function of tricresyl phosphate (TCP) as an anti‐wear lubricant additive

The detailed understanding of the physical and reaction chemistry of engineering lubricants is key to new developments in the future. Here, we draw together the main chemical/engineering literature in the first systematic review of the standard anti‐wear additive used as an aviation lubricant, tricresyl phosphate (TCP), focusing on understanding the links between the surface chemistry, tribology and decomposition of TCP. While there is still debate concerning the mechanism of TCP, it is clear that it is activated by moisture, oxygen or oxidised metal surfaces. Its anti‐wear properties arise from the resulting formation of iron phosphate or polyphosphate on the contact surfaces. Evidence stresses the importance of chemistry at the boundary layer and a mechanism involving pre‐coordination of TCP at the surface, resulting in activation at the P‐centre and subsequent attack by residual H₂O or surface O²⁻. This perspective provides a potential baseline for the development of future phosphorus‐based high‐performance additives. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Vacuum tribological behaviour of self‐lubricating quasicrystalline composite coatings

High‐temperature‐resistant self‐lubricating coatings are needed in space vehicles for components that operate at high temperatures and/or under vacuum. Thick composite lubricant coatings containing quasicrystalline alloys as the hard phase for wear resistance can be deposited by a thermal spray technique. The coatings also contain lubricating materials (silver and BaF₂ CaF2 eutectic) and NiCr as the tough component. This paper describes the vacuum tribological properties of TH103, a coating of this type, with a very good microstructural quality. The coating was deposited by high‐velocity oxygen fuel spraying and tested under vacuum using a pin‐on‐disc tribometer. Different loads, linear speeds, and pin materials were studied. The pin scars and disc wear tracks were characterised using a combination of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry. A minimum mean steady friction coefficient of 0.32 was obtained when employing an X750 Ni superalloy pin in vacuum conditions under 10 N load and 15 cm/s linear speed, showing moderate wear of the disc and low wear of the pin.     

Tribological behaviour of polyalphaolefins: Wear and rolling‐contact fatigue tests

Polyalphaolefin (PAO) fluids have become widely accepted as high‐performance lubricants and functional fluids due to certain inherent, and highly desirable, characteristics. One of these characteristics is their low toxicity, which, combined with excellent viscometrics and lubricity, have made low‐viscosity PAO fluids an important component in lubricant formulations. Typical data found in product specifications for lubricants are the kinematic viscosity and the viscosity index. These values do not give enough information with which to choose the optimum lubricant for a lubricated contact. In mechanical systems, rolling, sliding, and rolling/sliding contacts occur, and lubricants have to work optimally under these operating conditions. In this study the rolling‐contact fatigue lives (L₅₀ and L₁₀) of PAOs of different viscosities were experimentally determined. The tests were carried out using a four‐ball machine. Wear tests were also carried out using another four‐ball tester in order to measure the wear‐scar diameter and the flash temperature parameter. The lubricants were characterised by infrared spectroscopy, and the pitting of the balls was observed using scanning electron microscopy.     

Bio‐diesel lubricity: correlation study with residual acidity

Bio‐diesel has been accepted as a renewable liquid biofuel worldwide. In order to ensure customers' acceptance, standardisation and quality assurance are the key factors to the market introduction of bio‐diesel as a transport fuel. Lubricity of bio‐diesel is an important issue and it is well reported that 1–2% bio‐diesel is sufficient to maintain the lubricity of diesel even of very poor lubricity. However, a wide variation in lubricity performance of bio‐diesel from different vegetable oils and sources has been noticed. In addition, on critical examination, it was noticed that the variation in the lubricating performance of bio‐diesel could be better linked to its residual acidity than to variation in fatty acid composition. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Friction and film‐forming behaviour of five traction fluids

There is growing interest in the use of toroidal‐type traction drives to provide continuously variable transmissions for use in medium‐ to high‐power automotive engines. These transmissions require the use of specially designed traction fluids to provide high friction in full‐film elastohydrodynamic lubricated contacts. This study has measured the film‐forming and traction properties of five commercially available and developmental traction fluids to provide data needed to predict their performance in traction drives. Some differences in performance between the fluids have been noted.     

The origin,measurement and control of fine particles in non‐aqueous hydraulic fluids and their effect on fluid and system performance

When assessing the cleanliness of industrial hydraulic fluids, current procedures focus on particles above 4 µm in size. However, the use of more sophisticated techniques has confirmed that substantial numbers of much smaller particles can be formed in use — mainly by high‐temperature degradation processes. The paper outlines the mechanisms for fine particle generation and procedures for their measurement and control. Significant quantities can adversely affect fluid surface‐active properties and hinder the operation of system components. The effect of flow electrification or applied electrical fields to assist filtration is also discussed. The paper suggests that residual charge could stabilise particle dispersions, assist the depletion of dispersed anti‐foam particles and affect foam stability. An extension of the ISO 4406 cleanliness code to quantify the presence of fine particulate is recommended as is the need for further work to investigate the limits that should be placed on their presence in different applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On the feasibility of using cryo‐treatment as a tool to enhance the abrasive wear behaviour of solid‐lubricated polymeric composites

Cryo‐treatment, a bulk modification technique, is fast emerging as a way with which to improve the wear resistance of metals. This technique has also shown the ability to enhance significantly the abrasive wear performance of some polymers and their short glass‐fibre reinforced composites. In this work, short carbon‐fibre reinforced composites of some heat resistant polymers, such as polyetherimide, polyethersulphone, polyamide 6,6, polyetheretherketone, and polytetrafluoroethylene, were selected to explore the potential of cryo‐treatment. The selected materials were cryogenically treated by cooling them to the temperature of liquid nitrogen. The abrasive wear tests were carried out at ambient temperature in single pass conditions at various loads, on a pin‐on‐disc machine, using silicon carbide paper as a counterface. The investigations revealed that this technique has definite potential to increase the wear performance of carbon‐fibre reinforced composites. An increase in hardness due to cryo‐treatment was thought to be responsible for an observed improvement in wear performance. However, the extent of improvement in the wear performance was not matched by an increase in the hardness value. Scanning electron microscopy proved useful in examining the morphological changes in the composites due to cryo‐treatment.     

The tribological behaviour of paper friction plates for wet clutch applications investigated on SAE II and pin‐on‐disc test rigs

The friction behaviour of wet clutches for automatic transmission applications strongly influences the dynamic behaviour of the entire machine or vehicle, including the transmission. The wear, and also the friction curve, determines the life of the clutch. In this research, both SAE II and pin‐on‐disc tests have been used to investigate the wear and friction characteristics of paper friction material. A comparison is made of the friction coefficients and the wear rates obtained on both test rigs. Although the pin‐on‐disc tests failed to reproduce correctly the wear rates of the SAE II tests, they can be used for a qualitative analysis of the influence of material parameters and operating conditions on both friction coefficients and wear rates.     

Finite‐element heat‐transfer analysis of a PEEK‐steel sliding pair in a pin‐on‐disc configuration

Finite‐element (FE) thermal models have been developed in order to study the temperature distribution in a sliding pair comprising a poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) pin and a steel disc in a pin‐on‐disc configuration. First, a moving heat source model for the disc was created. An alternative distributed heat source model was also produced in order to reduce computing time for the evaluation of the moving heat source model by some orders of magnitude. This latter model gave the same results as the moving heat source model, except for a small region just below the moving heat source. On the basis of the distributed heat source approach, a complete axisymmetric FE model for the disc side (taking the effect of thermal resistance between the assembled components into consideration) and a steady‐state quarter model for the pin were developed. Water cooling and air cooling of the steel shaft were also compared. It was found that air cooling allowed a higher temperature in the contact region of the two sliding partners. The experimental results obtained with thermocouples and a thermal camera showed good agreement with the model predictions.