Reduction of Friction Using Electrospun Polymer Composite Microbeads Emulsified in Mineral Oil

Tribological properties of electrospun polymer-based microbeads dispersed in mineral oil were investigated. Microbeads composed of polyvinypyrrolidone, zinc oxide and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were generated using an electrospinning apparatus. The influence of various electrospinning parameters such as voltage, injection rate and concentration were investigated. The friction reducing ability of microbeads enhanced lubricants were evaluated using a reciprocating tribometer system. In the tribometer, a hemispherical ruby counter surface was slid against an aluminum 6061 workpiece in the presence of a mineral oil-based lubricant. Friction was reduced by 13% to 27% when the composite microbeads were emulsified in the base mineral oil.