Work

Role of Base Grease Type on the Lubrication Performance of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanoparticles and Microparticles

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the influence of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) particle size and concentration on the tribological performance of lithium and calcium greases. Formulations containing h-BN nanoparticles and microparticles at 1%, 3%, 5%, and 10% by weight were evaluated in ball-on-flat reciprocating tests under three load conditions. The tests were conducted using a steel ball and a steel plate. The most favorable results were obtained for greases with 3% h-BN, characterized by an average particle size of 130 nm and the highest nanoparticle content. In lithium grease, this formulation reduced friction by up to 9.7% and wear by up to 69.2% compared to the base grease. In calcium grease, the same additive concentration led to reductions of up to 18.2% in friction and 70.2% in wear. Tribological performance was significantly influenced by the type of base grease, which affected the dispersion of the additive and its ability to form protective surface layers. SEM/EDS analysis of the surfaces after testing revealed that the dominant lubrication mechanisms included shearing-sliding and surface-mending effects. This study confirms that h-BN-especially in nanoparticle form-is an effective additive for improving the performance of greases.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma18102196

Authors: Szymon Senyk, Krzysztof Gocman, Marcin Wachowski, Tadeusz Kałdoński

Institution: Military University of Technology in Warsaw

Language: English

Topic: Lubricants and Their Additives

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funder: Wojskowa Akademia Techniczna