SYNERGISTIC TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SYNTHETIC MAGNESIUM SILICATE HYDROXIDE COMBINED WITH AMPHIPHILIC MOLECULES

This paper reports the synthesis of magnesium silicate hydroxide (MSH) nanoparticles and their synergistic tribological properties combined with amphiphilic molecules (AMs) as additives in base oil. This combination reduces wear losses substantially due to the formation of a double well-arranged molecular layer or tribofilm on the rubbing surfaces under certain test conditions. From the results of nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations, lamellate MSH nanoparticles provide a medium for the adsorption of AMs thus further decreasing the contact of rough peaks. In addition, with the increase of load, a tribofilm containing element Mg, Si, O forms on the worn surfaces and greatly improves the anti-wear property of base oil.