| Abstract: | A novel fullerene–maleic anhydride copolymer is synthesized via radical polymerization. It is soluble in polar solvents such as water, dimethyl sulfoxide, tetrahydrofuran, and so forth. The product is characterized by FTIR, UV–visible, and GPC. Transmission electron microscope analysis shows that it presents an ideal spherical shape in water with an average particle diameter of about 36 nm. Four‐ball tests show that the addition of a certain concentration of the fullerene copolymer to the base stock (2 wt % triethanolamine and 0.5 wt % Alkylpolyoxyalkylene Phosphate Zinc (OPZ) aqueous solution) can effectively raise the load‐carrying capacity (PB value) and raise the antiwear ability. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 2182–2185, 2005 |
