ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF HEXAGONAL BORON NITRIDE ON TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF GREASE

Abstract

The article discusses the problem of using hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) as a grease additive. The literature on the subject was analysed in terms of greases into which hexagonal boron nitride was added. Particular attention was paid to the nano h-BN, due to the topicality of this topic and the potential of nano-additives to lubricants noted in published scientific studies. It was found that in order to indicate the regularities describing the tribological interaction of hexagonal boron nitride, detailed studies and an analysis of its properties are required. The important factors determining the application of this additive include particle size distribution, morphology, specific surface area, and porosity. The mentioned properties were determined for four samples of hexagonal boron nitride, which were also objects of tribological experiments. For this purpose, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and XRD method were used, and low-temperature adsorption isotherms were determined. The research on the influence of h-BN on the lubricity properties of lithium grease was carried out on a four-ball apparatus. Possible mechanisms of interaction of different types of h-BN in the friction zone were identified using the information collected on their important properties. Based on the results of the research, it was found that the use of nano h-BN in the discussed context seems promising. Article published in connection with the Autumn Tribological School.