Preparation and tribological properties of SiO2/WO3 nanocomposite lubricant

Abstract

Purpose WO3 particles were prepared by the sol-gel method. Tetraethyl silicate (TEOS) was used to obtain a SiO2-coated WO3 nanoparticle. Quantum chemical parameters of oleic acid, triethanolamine, glycerol and methyl pentane as dispersants were theoretically calculated. Tribological properties of SiO2/WO3 nanocomposite lubricant were carried out on an MRS-10A four-ball friction and wear tester. Design/methodology/approach The purpose of this study is to investigate the preparation and tribological properties of SiO2/WO3 nanocomposite lubricant. Findings The obtained SiO2-coated WO3 nanoparticle (nano-SiO2/WO3) with a particle size of about 70 nm. The calculated adsorption energy of triethanolamine on the surface of the steel ball is 554.6 eV, and triethanolamine is selected as the dispersant. The dispersion effect of SiO2/WO3 nanocomposite lubricant is good, which shows that triethanolamine oleate plays a good dispersion role in the preparation of lubricant, which is consistent with the calculation results of the adsorption capacity of dispersant. As a good auxiliary lubricant, SiO2 can improve the tribological properties and wear resistance of WO3. Originality/value Nanocomposite lubricants have been the focus of research in recent years, which could greatly reduce energy consumption. And the SiO2/WO3 exhibited excellent lubrication performance as a lubricant additive. The lubrication mechanism of SiO2/WO3 nanocomposite lubricant is the synergistic lubrication mechanism of friction film lubrication and antifriction bearing. This study could provide a certain reference for the practical application of nanocomposite lubricants.