Synthesis, Characterization, Properties, and Tribological Performance of 2D Nanomaterials

Demand in wear and friction reduction drives continuous development of new lubricant additives for energy saving in wide engineering applications. In the present research, a new approach has been developed in order to modify the viscosity of lubricants using novel nanostructured particles.

Experimental approaches include synthesis, characterization, and tribological and rheological investigation of nanoparticles, yttrium oxide (Y_(2)O_(3)), ?-zirconium phosphate (ZrP), and boron (B)-boron trioxide (B_(2)O_(3)) composite. It was discovered that the sheet-shaped nanoparticles in particular are effective in friction and viscosity reduction.

Specifically, friction coefficient was reduced by ~ 40 % and ~ 65 %, respectively, when Y_(2)O_(3) nanosheets and ?-ZrP nanoplatelets were added in mineral oil.

Physical and rheological analyses based on basic principles of fluid dynamics were conducted. It was found out that the improved lubricating performance caused by the viscosity reduction. The relationship between structure-fluid properties was established. It showed that the inclination of 2D nanoparticles in fluid direction reduced the viscosity.

In the present research, fluidic additives for lubricants have been demonstrated for the first time. Using 2D nanoparticles provides fundamentally new solution to reduce friction-induced energy loss in liquid lubrication. New understandings on nano-fluidics and nano-rheology will be beneficial to a broad range of tribology-related applications, e.g., industrial machinery, microelectronic processing, oil production and transportation, organic manufacturing, bioengineering, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.