Tribological Performance and Application of Antigorite as Lubrication Materials

Abstract

Antigorite is a Mg-rich 1:1 trioctahedral-structured layered silicate mineral. In recent decades, many studies have been devoted to investigating the tribological performance and application of antigorite as lubrication materials. This article provides an overview of the mineralogy, thermal decomposition and surface modifications of antigorite powders, as well as the recent advancement that has been achieved in using antigorite to reduce friction and wear of friction pairs. The tribological performance of antigorite powders and its calcined product in different lubricating media, such as oil, grease and solid composites have been comprehensively reviewed. The physico-chemical characteristics of surface layers of the friction pairs are discussed. Applications and mechanisms of lubricity and anti-wear of antigorite are highlighted.