Projects / Programmes
Uporaba nanodelcev kot aditivov v mazivih in tornih materialih (Slovene)
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.11.03 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Mechanical design |
Special development know-how |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.11 |
Engineering and Technology |
Other engineering and technologies |
Researchers (20)
Organisations (2)
Significance for science
In this project we acquired several scientifically relevant results that represent a step-change in terms of friction reduction (energy saving, fuel economy), wear reduction (increased durability, less maintenance), a new physical-based boundary lubrication concept for advanced non-reactive surface coatings and a new physical-based concept for the replacement of the chemically-activated polluting additives.
(1) A systematic study of the tribological properties of MoS2 nanotubes (in general) was performed for the first time worldwide. The use of these nanoparticles in oil significantly decreases the coefficient of friction and wear compared to the base oil alone, and this effect is the greatest in the boundary lubrication regime.
(2) As the first in the world (and even in comparison with other similar types of particles), we showed that by using the nanoparticles with the layered structure (not just MoS2 nanotubes) in oil an effective lubrication can be achieved for the relatively non-reactive surfaces, such as coatings based on the diamond-like carbon (DLC), which are one of the most promising surface coatings.
(3) We have acquired knowledge about the lubrication mechanisms with the nanoparticles and shown that such a lubrication is based on the physical rather than chemical effects of nanoparticles. We have shown that these lubrication mechanisms are similar for the classical materials (steel) and for the modern, less reactive materials (DLC). The proposed physically based concept of the boundary lubrication with the use of the nanoparticles represents a scientifically and technologically new and innovative approach.
(4) Through the physically based mechanisms of the low shear layers and/or other physical mechanisms achieved with the nanoparticles, it will be possible to replace the environmentally harmful additives containing P, S and Zn (which are being phased out due to the emissions) without the increase in the friction and wear on the conventional surfaces, which would result from the abandoning of these additives and which would inevitably cause new energy losses, damages to components and an increased need for maintenance.
(5) With the proposed physically based boundary lubrication concept without the additives containing the chemically reactive elements of P, S and Zn it is possible to formulate an oil that will enable the elimination of the pollution (emissions) caused by the chemical reactions of the reactive additive elements (S, P, Zn) and the reduction in greenhouse gases formation. Furthermore, the elimination of P and S from the automotive lubricant systems will also eliminate the most detrimental reasons for the damages to the catalyst systems in cars and trucks, which is a radical innovation.
(6) In the project we have for the first time systematically analysed and for that reason also been able to confidently present the verified tribological boundary lubrication mechanisms based on the use of the nanoparticles, in particular the MoS2 nanotubes. We have shown that the lubrication mechanisms are based on compression, deformation, fragmentation and exfoliation of the nanoparticles in the contact, which results in a formation of a tribological film on the surface. This tribological film is crucial for the reduction of the friction and wear, and we showed that it is present in a variety of test conditions.
(7) We have evaluated the impact of the surface roughness on the lubrication effects of the nanoparticles and highlighted the differences that occur in this respect in the lubrication of the steel and the DLC-coated surfaces. We have also analyzed the effect of the running-in on the nanoparticles-based lubrication and we showed that after the running-in the oil with the nanoparticles still enables an effective lubrication; again with some differences in lubrication of the steel and the DLC-coated surfaces.
Significance for the country
Coating technologies have a strong impact on the social effects of the industrial world, i.e. in European Union, including Slovenia, especially because of many SME coating companies or SMEs and other larger companies that rely on these technologies and which have a considerable potential for job creation. Newly developed composite and nanostructured coatings, such as DLC, represent technological areas with very high growth potential; however, there is a considerable competition in this area within EU and worldwide. There are no companies for the production of the DLC coatings in Slovenia yet, but there are several companies producing other surface-protection coatings and surface engineering methods, with similar problems and opportunities as discussed in this project.
The results of this project refer to both basic scientific problems and to technological applications and developments. The results arising from the project enable a stimulation of the advanced clean technologies, a progress of the key enabling technologies (KET) and carry the potential for the development of cleaner vehicles and vessels. All of these are the priorities for the development associated with the current technological challenges. At the same time our research results also encourage further development in the field of nanotechnology and advanced materials, in particular nanomaterials and surface coatings, some of which were also used in this project and are still in the development stage.
Besides the scientific advancement and popularization of the nanotechnology in combination with the engineering application area (mechanical engineering and tribology), a clear commitment is a transfer of our achievements to SMEs (i.e. to »Nanotul d.o.o.«, which is the owner of exploitation rights for the nanoparticles) and potentially to larger industrial companies producing mechanical components and lubricants, e.g. OLMA d.d., with which we are already making arrangements for the mixing of the nanoparticles to greases. This project also meant joining the efforts of two successful groups in different but complementary fields that started to collaborate very fruitfully on the basis of common interest and complementary scientific and application knowledge, thus promoting further cooperation and the increase in the critical mass of the research potential.
The project also involves a doctoral study, since M. Kalin was selected as a mentor based on the Phase I results of this project. A doctoral student was accepted to a well-established doctoral-students scholarship system “Young researcher” and granted a tree and a half year scholarship to work on this project. In addition, on the basis of the new knowledge gained during this project we have completed the program of a new study course at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, entitled Nanotechnologies, which enables a direct transfer of this knowledge to students.
It should be further stressed that we are also closely collaborating with other groups in Europe in the framework of different projects, such as »Foremost« (32 partners from 13 countries, with a human effort larger than 150 person-years, total budget of about 19 M€uro) and »2020 Interface« (9 partners from 6 countries, 36 person-years, total budget of about 7.8 M€uro). As initiators and leaders or main product developers in these projects we have contributed to the recognition of Slovenia and our institutes. Providing knowledge, new findings and ideas based on this project to these international groups we strengthened our recognition and scientific leadership in international community. Thus, several indirect benefits can be expected, including visiting scientists to/from our groups, collaboration in new EU or bilateral projects, international exchange of researchers and new contracts with industrial partners worldwide. In our group, this is already an established activity, since we have performed many research studies with the world’s leading companies.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
