Investigation on the tribological performance of functionalized nanoscale silica as an amphiphilic lubricant additive

In order to enhance tribological performance of both water-based and oil-based lubricant, the SiO₂ nanoscale ionic liquid (NIL), an amphiphilic lubricant additive, was prepared by using a sulfuric acid terminated organo-silane as corona and polyether amine as canopy. Various analytical techniques were used to characterize the SiO₂ NIL and stability of the nanolubricants. A ball-on-disk tribometer was adopted to investigate the lubrication enhancement of the SiO₂ NIL in both water-based and oil-based lubricants. The results show that the SiO₂ NIL can reduce the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear in these two lubricant groups, especially in the water-based lubricant. The lubrication mechanisms are ascribed to the polishing, ball bearing and mending effects of the SiO₂ NIL.