Paper TR+SE+TF-ThM5
Reduction in Friction and Micropitting by Coatings and Lubricants Containing Inorganic Fullerenes

Thursday, October 23, 2008, 9:20 am, Room 205

Improvement in component performance by reduction in friction and wear has been the focus of considerable research over the last forty years. As products become more highly engineered and component size is reduced the significance of friction and wear is increased, particularly in terms of improvements in energy efficiency, and the need to develop materials with improved triboloigcal performance becomes critical. Nanostructured materials are one way whereby this might be achieved. Recent work has focussed on the development and assessment of nanomaterials and composites for triboloigcal performance. In particular, the use of inorganic fullerene-like materials in the form of coatings and nanoparticles (and as the reinforcement for nanocomposites) has shown a lot of promise for tribological applications. This talk will highlight the use of inorganic fullerene nanoparticles as additives for lubricating oils or coatings to achieve a significant increase in the operational life of rolling/sliding components such as gears.