Rheological and Frictional Properties of Lithium Complex Grease with Graphene Additives

Abstract

Few-layer graphene (FLG) was added as a nano-additive to lithium complex grease (LCG) to explore the influence of FLG on the microstructure, viscoelasticity, friction and wear properties of LCG. Studies have found that the addition of FLG makes the microstructure of the thickener more compact, which in turn leads to an increase in the viscoelasticity of LCG. FLG additives can improve the viscosity-temperature properties of the grease and change the elastic deformation response to temperature changes. Among the temperatures selected in this article, the effect of graphene is more obvious at 70 °C. During the friction process, a proper amount of FLG can quickly form a boundary film and is not easily damaged, thereby optimizing the friction and wear performance of LCG.