Abstract

Gallium-based liquid metal (GLM) is a promising lubricant used in extreme working conditions. In this paper, a copper-containing friction pair (316L-10Cu) is prepared, and the wettability and lubrication properties of GLM are improved by the reaction adsorption of copper and gallium. Compared with 316 L, the contact angle of GLM on 316L-10Cu surface decreases from 153 degrees to 124 degrees. At sliding speeds of 0.01 m/s (boundary lubrication) and 0.05 m/s (mixed lubrication), the friction coefficients of Si3N4/316L-10Cu decreases by 48.5 % and 24.6 % compared to Si3N4/316 L, and the wear rates decreases by 86.5 % and 80.7 %. The improved lubrication performance is attributed to copper doping promoting the adsorption of gallium on the frictional interfaces, and better wetting enhancing the hydrodynamic pressure effect of GLM.

Keywords Plus：BEHAVIORS

Published in TRIBOLOGY INTERNATIONAL，Volume202；10.1016/j.triboint.2024.110338，FEB 2025