Advanced Lubrication for Energy Efficiency, Durability and Lower Maintenance Costs of Advanced Naval Components and Systems

摘要

In boundary lubrication, spacing of mating surfaces in direct physical contact is in the scale of surface asperities. These conditions may benefit from the nanoscale dimension of the advanced nanoparticle lubricants in the following ways: (1) by supplying nano to sub-micron size lubricating agents which reduce friction and wear at the asperity contact zone, (2) by enabling strong metal adsorption and easy wetting, (3) by reacting with the surface to form durable lubricating 'transient transfer' films, sustain high loads and also remain under high temperatures, and (4) by enabling all these at minimal cost and great environmental safety. These materials specifically designed on antiwear and extreme pressure chemistries can significantly lower the sulfur and phosphorus level in the lubricant additive and therefore provide environmental benefits. The project encompasses a detailed investigation of advanced nanolubricants that favorably impact robust boundary film formation to reduce wear and friction. These active nanolubricant additives are designed as surface-stabilized nanomaterials that are dispersed in a hydrocarbon medium for maximum effectiveness. This effort is focused on developing active nanoparticle composites, optimizing process design, physical and chemical characterization of nanomaterials, detailed tribological film characterization, and tribological testing to document friction and wear improvements.