A STUDY on antiwear properties OF GRAPHENE WATER-BASED LUBRICAnt AND its CONTACT WITH METALLIC MATERIALS

摘要

Due to their ecological and financial aspects, water-based lubricants may be competitive in use for production and sustainable technology. The paper presents tribological measurements results in the ball-flat friction node with reciprocal movement. The friction element manufactured of 316L stainless steel and 100Cr6 bearing steel cooperated under mixed friction with the use of water-based lubricants. Firstly, graphene flakes and graphite were applied as lubricant additives, both used as a similar reference material. Secondly, graphene lubricant reduced the friction coefficient and wear of friction elements. Interaction between water and graphene lubricants with 0.1 wt % and 1 wt % of graphene flakes and metal was also investigated. After 30 days of oxidation test in water and graphene lubricants, the Fe sample (Armco iron) surface was covered in graphene flakes with iron oxide structures. A compact coverage of the surface creates a protective layer against intensive oxidation in the distilled water-based graphene lubricant. The tests results have proven that the greater density of graphene flakes in the lubricant, the smaller is the amount of detected oxides. Graphene flakes agglomeration was observed in contact with the iron metal.