Lubricants play an integral role in the operation of several technologies and in biology, ranging from moving parts in machinery to the biolubrication of articular joints.  We have found that a colloidal dispersion consisting of easily synthesized highly spherical and uniform carbon particles coupled with a surfactant coating results in an effective water-based lubricant with low friction coefficients and excellent surface wear protection.  We propose that these particles use a rolling mechanism similar to nano- or microscale ball bearings under confinement.   The effect of several system parameters of lubrication including particle size, surfactant coating, and surface chemistry will be presented.

Hard carbon microspheres as nano-ball-bearings in aqueous-based lubrication

244th National Meeting (2012)

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