Controlling lubricant migration using ferrofluids

• We use ferrofluids to control lubricant migration and starvation.
• Ferrofluids migration behavior was driven by temperature gradient.
• Effect of magnetic field on ferrofluids migration and lubrication was investigated.
• Temperature and magnetic fields both govern the migration and lubrication behaviors.
• Using magnetic field to control ferrofluids could be a new way of lubricant supply.

This article examines the use of ferrofluids (FF) to control lubricant migration and starvation. The effect of magnetic field on the migration behavior of FF driven by temperature gradient was investigated. Friction tests were performed to evaluate the influences of FF migration on lubrication. It shows that the temperature and magnetic fields both govern the FF migration behavior. At the lower energy barrier of magnetic field, FF escaped out of the friction area by temperature gradient and followed by starvation. In contrast, the FF would be controlled by magnetic field and a stable friction could be achieved.