| AVS 61st International Symposium & Exhibition | |
| Tribology Focus Topic | Thursday Sessions |
| Session TR-ThA |
| Session: | Tribology in Unique Environs |
| Presenter: | Farshad Saberi-Movahed, North Carolina State University |
| Authors: | F. Saberi-Movahed, North Carolina State University D. Brenner, North Carolina State University O.A. Shenderova, International Technology Center |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
Nanodiamonds synthesized by detonation of explosives have emerged as a promising additive to base lubricants to reduce wear and friction. Several mechanisms have been suggested for this observation, including creation of protective surface films, surface roughness reduction by abrasion and by filling in surface regions between asperities and by acting as spacers that roll and slide between contacting surfaces.
To better understand the details of these various mechanisms, and how these details relate to nanodiamond and surface structure and properties, we have been carrying out molecular dynamics of solvated nanodiamonds between sliding interfaces. Our initial simulations have focused on understanding the role of particle shape (round versus facetted) on viscosity of base fluid, the motion of the nanodiamond (sliding versus rolling), and correlation time of the nanodiamond motion as a function of pressure, and the interface sliding speed and separation. For example, we have observed that at higher nanodiamond volumetric ratio, the viscosity of water increased. It was also observed that the viscosity of the nanofluid decreased as the temperature increased. Simulation results for nanodiamonds with different surface functional groups, agglomerated nanodiamonds and nanodiamonds reacting with metal surfaces during sliding will be discussed, as well as studies using non-aqueous solvents.
This material is based upon work supported by the G8 Research Council through the National Science Foundation under Grant No. CMMI-1229889