Lubricating oils are essential in machinery and mechanical systems due to their ability to reduce friction and wear. However, many conventional lubricants face challenges related to high fluidity, which can cause leakage during operation and lead to mechanical failures. To solve this issue, researchers have developed a novel gel lubricant called SNWs-PAO6, which combines subnanometer nanowires, SNWs, with poly α-olefin 6, PAO6, a widely used synthetic oil. This gel lubricant works at room temperature, and its structure effectively prevents the creeping and leakage of PAO6, thereby improving performance and extending the lifespan of machinery.
The key advantage of SNWs-PAO6 lies in its ability to confine the PAO6, reducing its tendency to leak and enhancing its load-bearing capacity. By adding SNWs—extremely fine nanowires with subnanometer diameters—the lubricant’s viscosity is increased, making it thicker and less prone to leaking under operational pressures. This makes it especially useful in environments where conventional lubricants would otherwise fail, such as in high-speed or high-pressure machinery.
In comparative tests, SNWs-PAO6 has shown remarkable improvements over pure PAO6 in terms of friction reduction and wear resistance. For example, when tested under steel-on-steel friction conditions, SNWs-PAO6 reduced the friction coefficient by an impressive 57.53%, dropping from 0.223 to 0.095. This substantial reduction in friction results in lower heat generation and energy loss, which are critical factors in extending the operational efficiency of mechanical systems. Furthermore, the wear rate of the materials tested with SNWs-PAO6 was decreased by 84.98%, indicating that the lubricant provides excellent protection against surface degradation.
Another significant advantage of SNWs-PAO6 is its ability to withstand extreme operational conditions. The lubricant remained stable after 180,000 cycles of operation under a 200 N load at 25 Hz, demonstrating its durability and long-term effectiveness. Even under high-speed centrifugation, SNWs-PAO6 was able to maintain its structural integrity without releasing any PAO6, proving its ability to withstand the stresses typically associated with high-speed mechanical systems. Moreover, the lubricant exhibited stability over six months of resting conditions, and its performance remained strong even at low temperatures, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
The tribochemical properties of the SNWs-PAO6 lubricant further contribute to its exceptional performance. Surface analysis of the wear scar and the tribochemical film formed during friction tests revealed that a specific tribochemical reaction occurs between the lubricant and the steel surface. The PW12O403– ions from the lubricant are more likely to adsorb onto the steel surface, forming a protective lubricating film. This film acts as a barrier between the two metal surfaces, further reducing friction and wear. This tribochemical film also plays a crucial role in preventing metal-to-metal contact, which is one of the main causes of wear in mechanical systems.
The development of SNWs-PAO6 opens new doors for the application of domain-limited nanomaterials-based gels in industrial machinery. These gels can be used in a variety of engineering applications, particularly in systems that require long-lasting, high-performance lubrication. The use of nanomaterials in lubricant gels is a promising field that could lead to mass production of highly efficient, sustainable lubricants for a wide range of machinery, including automotive engines, industrial equipment, and aerospace systems.
Overall, SNWs-PAO6 represents a significant leap forward in lubricant technology. By combining the benefits of subnanometer nanowires with a poly α-olefin base, this gel lubricant offers superior performance in reducing friction and wear, preventing leakage, and ensuring long-term stability under challenging conditions. Its potential to revolutionize lubrication in mechanical systems could lead to more efficient, durable, and environmentally friendly industrial operations in the near future.
