Tribological performance of Nano-Tin as lubrication additives used in steel-copper tribo-pair

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to study a new type of lubrication additive with Nano-Tin, and to analyze the tribological performance of the friction coatings that are formed by the lubricants. Design/methodology/approach - The Tin-base additives were prepared and activated, friction testing was performed on an improved type MS-800 four-ball tester, and the nanometer additives with different contents of Tin were used as lubricants in steel-copper tribo-pair. The surface elements of friction coatings were investigated with Auger electron spectrum, and the thickness and element distribution of the coating were measured with scanning electron microscope. Findings - The ultra-thick friction coating (10-20μm) with abundant Tin was carried out and combined well with the surface of the copper sample when lubricated with oil containing this additive. The coating exhibited excellent anti-wear and friction-reducing capacities. Research limitations/implications - The anticorrosion properties have not been estimated. Practical implications - A useful Nano-Tin base lubricating oil additive is prepared and the activate method is explored. It may provide the potential lubricating oil additive for steel-copper tribo-pair, such as steel worm-copper worm wheel transmission. Originality/value - This paper provides a Nano-Tin base-activated additive which, when used in lubricating oil, can form an ultra-thick friction coating. It has the same self-repairing properties as a steel-copper tribo-pair.