Synthesis, characterization and tribological properties of a reactable nano-silica

Silica nanoparticles modified with organic compound containing double bonds was synthesized by surface modifying in situ and the structure was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and chemistry analysis. Dispersivity of the nanoparticle was studied by measuring light transmittance, and friction reducing and anti-wear behavior of the silica used as additive in lubricant were analyzed on wear tester. Worn steel surface and typical elemental distribution were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. As a result, nano-SiO₂ well dispersed in lubricating oil, that contributed to apparently improvement on anti-wear and friction reducing ability of gas mobile oil, and nano-SiO₂ can repair worn surface to a certain degree due to forming nano-coextruded films on rubbing surface.