Effect of Ti3C2 MXenes additive on the tribological properties of lithium grease at different temperatures

Ti3C2 MXenes have a large specific surface area and abundant active groups, which have been widely used as lubricating materials. The tribological properties of lithium grease with MXenes content under different temperatures were investigated. The results show that when the temperature is 40 °C and the MXenes content is 2 wt%, the best modification effect is achieved. The friction coefficient (0.045) and wear rate (5.8 × 10−8 mm3N−1m−1) could be reduced by 56.7% and 26.6% compared with those of the molybdenum disulfide lithium grease, respectively. MXenes could react with friction surfaces, adsorb into wear scars with the flow of grease, and form lubrication layers on the worn surfaces, improving the anti-friction and anti-wear performance.