Tribological properties of water-soluble TiODN₂ nanoparticles as additives in water

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to prepare water-soluble TiODN ₂ nanoparticles and evaluate the tribological properties as additives in water. Design/methodology/approach - Nanoparticles present excellent friction-reducing and antiwear properties as additives in base oils. However, there are seldom literatures about the nanoparticles as additives in water as yet. In this work, water-soluble TiODN₂ nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel method and characterized with transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction. The tribological properties as additives in water were investigated by SRV and the surface analysis by scanning electron microscope and X-ray photon electron spectroscope. Findings - TiODN₂ nanoparticles modified with polyethylene glycol have uniform size about 10?nm and easily dissolve in water. The tribological experiments showed TiODN ₂ nanoparticles exhibit excellent friction-reducing and antiwear properties. Research limitations/implications - The paper is restricted to only TiODN₂ nanoparticles. Some other water-soluble nanoparticles also should be prepared and their tribological properties investigated. Practical implications - Water-soluble TiODN₂ nanoparticles could be used as water additives and improve the tribological properties. Originality/value - This paper emphasises that the water-soluble nanoparticles are prepared and could be used as water additives.