Nanolubricant additives: A review

Abstract

Using nanoadditives in lubricants is one of the most effective ways to control friction and wear, which is of great significance for energy conservation, emission reduction, and environmental protection. With the scientific and technological development, great advances have been made in nanolubricant additives in the scientific research and industrial applications. This review summarizes the categories of nanolubricant additives and illustrates the tribological properties of these additives. Based on the component elements of nanomaterials, nanolubricant additives can be divided into three types: nanometal-based, nanocarbon-based, and nanocomposite-based additives. The dispersion stabilities of additives in lubricants are also discussed in the review systematically. Various affecting factors and effective dispersion methods have been investigated in detail. Moreover, the review summarizes the lubrication mechanisms of nanolubricant additives including tribofilm formation, micro-bearing effect, self-repair performance, and synergistic effect. In addition, the challenges and prospects of nanolubricant additives are proposed, which guides the design and synthesis of novel additives with significant lubrication and antiwear properties in the future.

Preparation of Zirconium Hydrogen Phosphate Coatings on Sandblasted/Acid-Etched Titanium for Enhancing Its Osteoinductivity and Friction/Corrosion Resistance

“… 53 In addition, ZrP, a widely applied nanolubricant additive, could repair scars and grooves of a material surface via surface repairing and polishing effect, which in turn could considerably enhance friction resistance. 54 , 55 Another study claimed that after doping ZrP nanosheets in polyvinyl alcohol, its nano-mechanical properties, such as hardness and elastic modulus, were improved. 56 Therefore, we believed that although the ZrP coating did not effectively change the COF of SLA, its layered structures and superior hardness/elastic modulus would play a direct role in the wear process, resulting in a significant decrease in wear area and wear rate.…”

“… 56 Therefore, we believed that although the ZrP coating did not effectively change the COF of SLA, its layered structures and superior hardness/elastic modulus would play a direct role in the wear process, resulting in a significant decrease in wear area and wear rate. 54–57 …”

A Comprehensive Review of Water-Based Nanolubricants

“…NPs with a sphere, quasi-spherical, or hemispherical shape play this role. Generally, spherical NPs reduce the COF by converting sliding friction to rolling friction as a result of their morphological properties [233][234][235]. Some scholars have revealed that these NPs themselves might roll or embed into surfaces [236][237][238].…”

Lubrication properties of silver complexes under the high temperature abrupt operating conditions

“…Therefore, the lubricating oil must maintain low-friction property across a wide temperature range. However, most lubricants begin to thermally degrade and oxidize at high-temperature, resulting in a loss of original lubrication performance (Wang et al , 2020; Zhao et al , 2021).…”