Machines, Vol. 12, Pages 817: PDA Nanoparticle-Induced Lubricating Film Formation in Marine Environments: An Active Approach

Machines, Vol. 12, Pages 817: PDA Nanoparticle-Induced Lubricating Film Formation in Marine Environments: An Active Approach

Machines doi: 10.3390/machines12110817

Authors: Xinqi Zou Zhenghao Ge Chaobao Wang Yuyang Xi

The low viscosity of water-lubricated films compromises their load-bearing capacity, posing challenges for practical application. Enhancing the lubrication stability of these films under load is critical for the successful use of seawater-lubricated bearings in engineering. Polydopamine (PDA) shows great potential to address this issue due to its strong bio-inspired adhesion and hydration lubrication properties. Thus, PDA nanoparticles and seawater suspensions were synthesized to promote adhesive lubricating film formation under dynamic friction. The lubrication properties of PDA suspensions were evaluated on Cu ball and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) tribo-pairs, with a detailed comparison to seawater. The results show PDA nanoparticles provide excellent adhesion and lubrication, enhancing the formation of lubricating films during friction with seawater. Under identical conditions, PDA suspensions demonstrated the lowest friction coefficient and minimal wear. At 3 N, friction decreased by 56% and wear by 47% compared to distilled water. These findings suggest a novel strategy for using PDA as a lubricant in seawater for engineering applications.