2D mica as a new additive for nanolubricants with high tribological performance

• Published in: Tribology international 2024-12, Vol.200, p.110075, Article 110075
• Main Authors: Guimarey, María J.G., Karunarathne, Shadeepa, Ratwani, Chirag R., Viesca, Jose Luis, Battez, A. Hernández, Abdelkader, Amr M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 2D mica nanoadditives; Friction; Nanolubricants; Wear
• ISSN: 0301-679X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2024.110075

This article presents 2D mica nanoplatelets as a novel additive to produce a stable engine lubricant. The planar structure and excellent mechanical properties of 2D mica contribute significantly to the improvements in tribological performance when evaluated under pure sliding and rolling/sliding contact configurations. The wear rate is reduced by 72 %, and the coefficient of friction (COF) decreases by 28 % when 2D mica is added to engine oil under pure sliding conditions. No tribological improvement was observed under rolling/sliding conditions. Our results also showed that nanosheet loading plays a significant role in nanolubricant performance, where 0.2 wt% is the optimum. These findings demonstrate superior performance to other 2D material nanoadditives and indicate the potential for commercial applications of 2D mica-based nanolubricants. [Display omitted] •Mica-based nanolubricants demonstrated higher stability than other 2D materials.•Friction was reduced by 28 % by adding 0.2 wt% mica to the engine oil.•Wear was reduced by 72 % for 0.2 wt% mica/engine oil nanolubricant.•The tribofilm formed by the nanolubricants explains the large reduction in wear.•Mica-based nanolubricants did not reduce friction under rolling/sliding conditions.