Xu X, et al. Tribology International, 2020, 151, 106441.
3-[(3-Cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS) is a superior additive for improving lubrication, especially on steel/ceramic interfaces, due to its positive impact on electroosmosis and penetration. By analyzing the effects of cationic (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB) and zwitterionic (CHAPS) additives on the electroosmotic properties of lubricants, this study assesses their tribological performance on steel/steel and steel/ceramic interfaces. The study provides insights into optimizing lubricant formulations, enhancing their effectiveness in reducing friction and wear through targeted electroosmotic strategies.
Lubricant Preparation
Pure water served as the base fluid. CHAPS and CTAB were dispersed ultrasonically into the base fluid to create AS lubricants.
Further, 0.1 wt% SiO2 nanoparticles of 20-30 nm in diameter were added to pure water and ultrasonically de-agglomerated for 30 min to prepare another base fluid. Then, CHAPS and CTAB were, respectively, ultrasonically dispersed into this base fluid. These nanoparticle suspensions were named NPs lubricant. The concentrations of CHAPS and CTAB in the AS and NPs lubricants were 0.0125, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mmol/L.
Tribological Performance
Friction and Wear Reduction:
CHAPS: Significantly reduces the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear scar diameter (WSD) at both interfaces, with greater effects observed on steel/ceramic interfaces.
CTAB: Increases COF and WSD, particularly on steel/ceramic interfaces.
Elemental Analysis:
CHAPS: Increases Si content on worn surfaces in NPs lubricants, more so on steel/ceramic interfaces.
CTAB: Decreases Si content, reducing its effectiveness.
Mechanism
CHAPS enhances capillary penetrability, improving anti-friction and anti-wear properties. It effectively promotes electroosmosis, aiding lubricant penetration.
CTAB suppresses capillary penetration, leading to poorer tribological performance.