We are continuing our introduction to the applications of graphene materials. Today, we will present a new application of graphene in lubricants.
Lubricants, such as oils and greases, play a crucial role in various industries, including automotive, transportation, chemical, food, and robotics. During mechanical processes, strong friction between surfaces causes wear and generates heat, which reduces efficiency and shortens the device’s lifespan. It is estimated that approximately 23% of the world’s energy consumption is attributed to anti-friction measures and friction element regeneration.
Nanotechnology is currently a rapidly developing field for producing lubricant additives. One such class of nano additives includes graphene-based materials. Research has shown that incorporating graphene into lubricants enhances their lubricating properties by reducing the coefficient of friction and surface wear. This improvement is attributed to graphene’s unique characteristics, such as its single-layer carbon atom thickness, layered structure, small flake size, large specific surface area, high mechanical strength, high thermal conductivity, and good lubricating and anti-corrosion properties.
Graphene-based lubricant additives are a focus of research conducted by the Flake Graphene Group in collaboration with the Sieć Badawcza Łukasiewicz – Przemysłowy Instytut Motoryzacji. They utilize G-Flake® materials. Preliminary tests of these graphene additives have demonstrated a remarkable 70% reduction in grease wear.
If you want to know more about this application, you are welcome to read an article written by Małgorzata Djas -> Flake Graphene as an Innovative Additive to Grease with Improved Tribological Properties
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