The tribological performance of W-DLC in solid–liquid lubrication system addivated with Cu nanoparticles

Abstract

Abstract Judicious selection of additives having chemical and physical compatibility with the DLC films may help improving the triboligical properties and durability life of DLC-oil composite lubrication systems. In this study, Cu nanoparticles were added to PAO6 base oil to compose a solid-liquid composite lubrication system with W-DLC film. The effects of nanoparticle concentration, test temperature and applied load on tribological performance were systematically studied by a ball-on-disk friction test system. The tribological results illustrated that Cu nanoparticles could lower the coefficient of friction (COF) and dramatically reduce the wear rates of W-DLC films. The optimal tribological behavior was achieved for the 0.1 wt% concentration under 30 °C and the applied load of 100 N. The test temperature and applied load were vital influencing factors of the solid–liquid lubrication system. The bearing effect and soft colloidal abrasive film of spherical Cu nanoparticle contributed to the excellent tribological performance of the composite lubrication system under mild test conditions, meanwhile, the local delamination of W-DLC film and oxidation were the main causes of the friction failure under harsh test conditions. With test temperature and applied loads increase the degree of graphitization of the W-DLC film increased. In conclusion, there are several pivotal factors affecting the tribological performance of solid–liquid lubrication systems, including the number of nanoparticles between rubbing contact area, graphitization of the worn W-DLC films, tribofilms on the worn ball specimens and oxidation formed in friction test, and the dominant factor is determined by the testing condition.