Keywords Lubricant, EP Additive, Inorganic Fullerenes, Nanomaterials, Nanoparticles, Tungsten Disulfide
Novel Fullerene-Like Inorganic Nanoparticles of Tungsten Disulfide (IF WS2) as a Superior Lubricant Inorganic fullerene like WS2 nanoparticles have proved its excellent properties as a solid lubricant as well as an additive to oils and greases to reduce COF and wear and extend lifetime of equipment lowering its operating costs. Introduction of IF WS2 nanoparticles to lubricating media reduces COF and wear up to 2 times, depending on applications and type of lubricant used. Patented IF WS2 production method allows to precisely control geometry and size of nanoparticles. The mechanisms of friction and wear reduction based on several effects: 1. Nano sized particles smooth a surface, covering roughness irregularities and asperities; 2. The spherical geometry allows nanoparticles to play a role of a nano ball bearings, creating a roller friction; 3. The spherical geometry has no dangling bonds and is chemically inert; 4.Multi-layer onion-like structures of IF WS2 nanoparticles start exfoliating under high pressures and create thin protective film on the friction surface.
Authors and Company/Institution George Diloyan and Giri Gururajan, Nanotech Industrial Solutions Inc., Avenel, NJ Alexander Margolin and Larissa Drangai, NanoMaterials Ltd., Yavne, Israel