Evaluation of the influence of granulation of hexagonal boron nitride on the lubricity properties of the base grease

Abstract

The paper presents the tests results of lubricity properties of base greases, containing hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). To conduct the required tests, a four ball machine was used. This device is commonly used when assessing lubricity properties of oils and greases. The following normative lubricity parameters were defined: welding point Pz [daN], the value of last non-seizing load Pn [daN], seizing at smoothy growing load Pt [daN], as well as the wear limiting capacity load Goz [daN/mm2]. Furthermore, several non-normative tests were completed that covered indication of two parameters making it possible to complete an assessment of lubricity properties of oils. Based on the conducted research, it was found that hexagonal boron nitride is an additive that improves the lubricating properties of the base grease. The best effects of the improvement, taking into account the adopted tribological criteria, were noted for a sample containing 10% (m/m) hexagonal boron nitride with an average grain diameter of 65÷75 nm. It was found that the lower granulation of the additive (h-BN) positively influences the efficiency of the grease lubrication of the base, under the conditions of tests on a four-ball model apparatus. Keywords: tribology, lubricity, boron nitride, greases

Keywords

• tribology
• lubricity
• boron nitride
• greases