A novel earthworm-inspired smart lubrication material with self-healing function

• Published in: Tribology international 2022-01, Vol.165, p.107303, Article 107303
• Main Authors: Ruan, Hongwei, Zhang, Yaoming, Wang, Qihua, Wang, Chao, Wang, Tingmei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Friction and wear; Lubricating properties; Phase change materials; Porous materials; Porous media; Porous polyimide; Recycle smart-lubrication; Self healing materials; Self-healing; Wear; Worms
• ISSN: 0301-679X; 1879-2464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2021.107303

Wear is inevitable during the process of materials friction. Herein, inspired by organisms such as earthworms, we have developed a novel material that can repair itself after wear. The self-healing material was fabricated through injecting a phase-change material into the porous matrix to form a composite, which can spontaneously release the internal medium and form a stable lubricating layer. When the lubricating layer is worn, the internal medium can be continuously released to the surface under thermal stimulation, due to the solidifiable/liquid properties of the internal medium, which realize self-healing of the damaged lubricating layer. The as-prepared composite not only provides multiple self-healing and smart lubrication properties, but also maintain stable friction due to the presence of the lubricating layer. •A novel smart lubrication material with self-healing function was prepared.•The COF of the PPI-wax is reduced by 54.5% (PPI-PAO 10 = 0.121, PPI-Wax = 0.055), and the matrix has no obvious wear.•The self-repair process can last at least 353 times.•The outstanding lubricity and self-healing of PPI-wax is ascribed to dynamic responsiveness of the surface lubricant layer.