Projects / Programmes
Near-net shape nanoparticle-reinforced polymer-composites for highly-loaded advanced mechanical components with superior tribological performance
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.11.03 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Mechanical design |
Special development know-how |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T152 |
Technological sciences |
Composite materials |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.11 |
Engineering and Technology |
Other engineering and technologies |
Nanoparticles, nanocomposites, polymers, boundary films, friction, wear, electroforetic deposition, triblogy, MoS2, WS2, nantubes, fullerenes
Researchers (22)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
The project focuses on a study of formation and performance of the surface boundary tribofilms in contacts of a newly-developed polymer nanocomposite based on PEEK, using »self-lubricating« MoS2 and WS2 nanoparticles, adapted for operation under non-lubricated conditions. Development of the polymer nanocomposite with specific interface boundary film properties targets its use in high-tech products with strong requirements for low weight, but simultaneously with upper-end mechanical and tribological characteristics.
The innovative use of electrophoretic deposition (EPD) for nanocomposite processing (Department for nanostructured materials, IJS, Dr. S. Novak) will allow us to achieve very high level of homogeneity of the nanocomposite, which - for MoS2 in WS2 nanoparticles - was not obtained yet. Homogeneity is the key property, which today limits use of many nanocomposites. Furthermore, EPD allows production of complex 3D mechanical components in a single process, without additional manufacturing or surface finish, at the quality that could not be achieved in polymer processing so far, which is an extraordinary advantage of this technique. What is more, EPD uses materials in liquid phase, which may have great impact on broader use of nanoparticles due to nano-safety concerns.
Nanoparticles with well-controlled properties will be synthesized at the collaborating partner at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, at the Prof. Tenne’s lab, who is also the inventor of these nanoparticles. This implies that uncertainties related to unknown exact properties of nanoparticles, which are often a major obstacle in nanoparticle studies, will be eliminated. In addition, complementary type of nanoparticles, world-wide unique by their “mama-tube” morphology will be obtained by from a spin-off company Nanotul d.o.o of the Department for solid state physics, IJS, M. Remškar, with which, we already collaborate in related projects.
One of the critical parameters in understanding and providing adequate tribological and mechanical properties of nanocomposites is optimal use of nanoparticles (shape, size, concentration) and resulting nanocomposite structure as well as adhesion between the nanoparticles and PEEK matrix. Therefore, in order to theoretically predict and optimize these phenomena, numerical simulations at molecular and meso scale will be employed. Work will be performed in a group from CNRS and Blaise Pascal University in Clermont-Ferrand France (Profs. P. Malfreyt and A. Padua, Molecular Interactions and Thermodynamics Laboratory), which specialises in multi-scale simulations of polymers.
In close relation to the multi-scale modelling, comprehensive tribological studies and analyses of surface boundary films will be performed in Centre for tribology and technical diagnostics (dr. M. Kalin). Based on tribological and theoretical studies, the interface design and composite functionalisation will allow design of boundary films with self-adapting and autonomic mechanical and physical-chemical properties to ensure low friction and enhanced durability. Mechanical and thermal properties of nanocomposite will be additionally verified and optimised in cooperation with two renowned and leading groups from their fields, i.e. prof. Emri and prof. Golobič (Faculty of Mech, Eng, UL).
To summarize, using interdisciplinary approaches and innovative techniques, materials, and studies, and incorporating as much as 6 world-renown or even leading research groups each in its own field, we target in this project to reach several scientific and partially applied goals, representing several novelties in different areas. If the project is successful, the results will enable strong advantage of Slovenian industry in various high-tech applications with severe tribological demands. At the same time, opportunities for developing new materials, products or technology-based services on a global market may be opened.
Significance for science
In this project we acquired several scientifically relevant results that represent a step-change in terms of friction and wear reduction and the use of polymer composites with self-lubricated particles for industrial applications. The innovative use of EPD for production of polymer parts from aqueous suspensions gave an additional insight into this procedure. A systematic study of tribological, mechanical, thermal and chemical properties of MoS2 and WS2 composites was performed for the first time worldwide. Production of high-quality and homogeneous nanocomposites enabled a repeatable testing of tribological properties of PEEK composites. The use MoS2 and WS2 particles with controlled structure and composition enabled us to present the actual mechanisms of lubrication of these self-lubricating particles. With the variation of different morphologies of nanoparticles and micro particles we have correlated the transfer film formation with structural and mechanical properties. We have successfully provided a correlation between the morphology, concentration and material with mechanical and thermal properties of self-lubricated polymer composites.
Significance for the country
The results of this project refer to basic scientific and technological applications and developments. In Slovenia there are some very developed industrial sectors with many successful companies in automotive and household appliance industries, which very often search for polymer materials to replace the existing metals in various applications. In such replacements it is crucial that polymers can ensure the same functionality as metal materials, but with less weight, easier production and lower costs. Regardless that this project was classified as a basic study, its goal was also to design a tribologically and mechanically efficient PEEK composite that can be used in Slovenian industry. Results of this project could have a broad applicability in different companies in various sectors of industry. The development of appropriate boundary films and their design we have achieved a significant reduction of friction and wear, which leads to reduction of energy losses and pollution, savings in raw materials, increased reliability and durability of mechanical systems and reduced maintenance.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
