Friction and Wear Characteristics of Fe3O4 Nano-Additive Lubricant in Micro-Rolling

Abstract

As nanotechnology has developed, some nano-additives have been employed to improve the performance of lubricants. The mechanisms of nano-additives still need to be investigated. The wear characteristics of Fe3O4 nano-additive lubricant were investigated in this study. Different diameters of Fe3O4 nanoparticles were mixed in basic oil using an ultrasonic mixer. The new lubricant was used for analytical tests at room temperature. The results showed that nano-lubricants with 20 nm nanoparticles increase the oil film strength. The coefficient of friction was reduced when 20 nm diameter 8 wt% Fe3O4 nanoparticles were mixed with lubricants. The effect of surfactants and nanoparticles in the base oil was measured using numerical simulation methods. The adsorption capacity of the lubricants was significantly improved by Fe3O4 nanoparticles, particularly when looking at the small relative atomic mass of the metal. The 8 wt% Fe3O4 lubricant exhibited optimal tribological properties when applied in micro-rolling tests. The results showed that the surface quality of the rolled samples was significantly improved, and the rolling force was dramatically reduced. At the same time, the shapes of the samples were effectively controlled in the rolling process. Therefore, Fe3O4 nanoparticles can improve the friction and wear characteristics of lubricants.