The development of functional self-lubricating materials has positive impacts on energy-saving and emission reduction. Self-lubricating composites based on the oil-containing nanocapsules, which takes advantage of fluid lubrication but excludes the drawbacks of external lubrication, is of great interest. Herein, we report shell-designed nanocapsules with lubricant oil by miniemulsion polymerization. The nanocapsules have smooth compact surface and regular spherical shape with average diameter of around 100 nm and core content of 58 wt.%. The incorporation of nanocapsules with different shell material into epoxy composites leads to self-lubricating materials with excellent friction properties and adjustable mechanical properties. The encapsulated liquid lubricant released from the broken nanocapsules during the friction process lubricates the rubbing surfaces and prevents a direct contact between silicon nitride ball and matrix. Thus it allows for a lower friction coefficient and wear rate. Meanwhile, modification of polymer nanocapsule shell by copolymerization of various monomers and the regulation of particle size and size distribution can lead to self-lubricating materials with good mechanical properties.

Synthesis of functional polymer nanocapsules for self-lubrication

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.