Effect of Ag nanoparticles additive on the tribological behavior of multialkylated cyclopentanes (MACs)

Monodisperse Ag nanoparticles with a particle size of about 6–7 nm and low volatile multialkylated cyclopentanes (MACs) lubricant were prepared. The effect of Ag nanoparticles as additive in MACs base oil on the friction and wear behavior of MACs was investigated. The friction and wear test of a steel disc sliding against the same steel counterpart ball was carried out on an Optimal SRV oscillating friction and wear tester. The morphology and elemental distribution of the worn surface of both the steel ball and steel disc and the chemical feature of typical element thereof were examined using a JEM-1200EX scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with a Kevex energy dispersive X-ray analyzer attachment (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS), respectively. Friction and wear test indicates that the wear resistance and load-carrying capacity of MACs base oil were markedly raised and its friction coefficient changed little when 2% Ag nanoparticles were added in it. Results of SEM/EDS and XPS show that Ag nanoparticles were deposited on the friction pair surfaces to form low shearing stress metal Ag protective film in rubbing process.