Study on the tribological behavior of TiN-VN/PAO composite lubricant system: ZIF-8 as a lubricating additive

Safety and reliability of mechanical systems are compromised by the lubricant degradation and excessive wear on contact surfaces. In response, a TiN-VN/PAO lubrication system was developed, and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles with highly ordered pore structures were introduced to improve friction performance. The findings indicate that the addition of ZIF-8 significantly reduces the friction coefficient and wear rate in the composite system. The outstanding anti-friction performance is attributed to the heterogeneous TiN-VN nanolaminates material, which provides exceptional deformation tolerance and interface friction products. XPS analysis reveals the formation of a low shear strength Magneli phases (V2O5) on the wear track surface, while TEM observations demonstrate that a similar to 18 nm Zn-rich layer was developed at the interface, acting as a lubricating barrier layer.