Inorganic fullerene-like materials for increased operational life in rolling/sliding applications

Abstract

The synthesis of inorganic fullerene-like materials (IFLMs) represents a major scientific breakthrough, and recently, new coatings and lubricants incorporating inorganic fullerene-like nanoparticles have been produced within the integrated European project FOREMOST. The objective of the work presented here was to assess the influence of IFLM in lubricants on the contact fatigue and wear performance of tribological contacts subjected to rolling/sliding motion such as gears. The wear tests were carried out using a double disc rig with specimens manufactured from S156 steel. The lubricants tested were two gear oils without IFLM and mixed with IFLM. The results show that a significant increase in the operational life of rolling/sliding components can be achieved using lubricants incorporating IFLMs.