Preparation and investigation of nano-AlN lubricant with high performance

• Design and synthesis of macromolecular coupling agent (a-PP-g-MAH).
• Surface modification and characterization of nano-AlN by HPH process.
• Preparation and investigation of nano-AlN/lubricating oil with high performance.

A new kind of macromolecular coupling agent (LMW-a-PP-g-MAH) of maleic anhydride (MAH) onto low-molecular-weight atactic polypropylene (LMW-a-PP) was synthesized according to molecular design and was used as modifier for surface modification of nano-Aluminum nitride (AlN) by a high-pressure homogenization (HPH) process. IR was conducted to confirm the chemical structure of the step products of LMW-a-PP-g-MAH. The availability as a modifier for surface modification of nano-AlN was distinguished by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), particle size analysis, transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), contact angle experiments and the dispersion stability in dimethylbenzene and Greatwall lubrication oil. It can be inferred that the optimal loading is 10 wt. %–12 wt. % of LMW-a-PP-g-MAH to modify nano-AlN particles. Nano-AlN lubricating composite materials (LMW-a-PP-g-MAH-AlN) was used to improve the antifriction performance and the load capability of Greatwall lubrication oil, and maximum non-seizure load (PB) can increase highly from 1000 N to 1490 N when the loading is 0.3 wt. %.