Nanodiamonds became the basis for "dry" lubrication, providing extremely low coefficient of friction

A group of scientists from the Argonne National Laboratory combined tiny nanodiamonds with particles of a conditionally two-dimensional material, molybdenum disulfide, and obtained a new type of dry lubricant that provides an extremely low value of the coefficient of friction. Under pressure, molybdenite breaks down into molybdenum and sulfur, which reacts with nanodiamonds to form onion-like diamond particles coated with multiple layers of graphite, which are the main components of dry lubricants.

Research results have shown that the new “nanodiamond” grease has 10 times more “lubricity” than other types of special coatings, including fluoropolymers. “Tiny diamond-carbon beads can withstand the very high pressure that occurs at the point of contact between rubbing parts. Their spherical structure allows surfaces to glide very easily, creating a super oiliness, “says Ali Erdemir, lead researcher.

The new type of lubricant can be used in almost everything from door handles, bicycle chains to heavy industrial equipment. The high characteristics of nanodiamond grease will make it possible, in some cases, even to create such units and mechanisms that simply will not work if any other type of grease is used.

“Parts that will be treated with diamond lubricant will last much longer. In addition, you no longer have to worry about oil-soaked rags that remain after servicing various machines “- says John Harvey, head of this area, -” Now, in some cases, parts made by a cheap method can be used in mechanisms stamping, they, due to the new lubricant, will work no worse than parts made using other more expensive and better metal working methods. “

Argonne’s laboratory already has several patents for new super lubrication technologies. And soon these technologies will be available for licensing and mass production. S

ource: www.dailytechinfo.org