Synthesis, characterization and tribological behavior of oleic acid-capped core-shell lanthanum borate-SiO2 composites

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the tribological properties of poly-alpha-olefin (PAO) with nano/microstructure core-shell lanthanum borate-SiO2 composites (OCLS). Design/methodology/approach - Oleic acid-capped core-shell lanthanum borate-SiO2 composites were synthesized by an easy way. The composites were characterized by means of Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The friction and wear behaviors of the quenched AISI 1045 steel specimens sliding against AISI 52100 steel under the lubrication of PAO containing OCLS were comparatively investigated with PAO containing SiO2 additive on an Optimol SRV reciprocating friction and wear tester. On the other hand, the tribological properties of the PAO containing OCLS were also investigated on four-ball tester. Findings - The diameter of OCLS was about 20 nm, and the thickness of the SiO2 shell was less than 5 nm. The ratio of oleic acid (OA) is about 15 percent. The PAO containing OCLS possesses much better tribological properties than that of pure PAO and PAO containing SiO2 additive. Originality/value - The PAO + OCLS possess a better friction reducing and antiwear properties than pure PAO. The new additive can improve the tribological ability of machinery.