Tribological behaviour of novel chemically modified biopolymer-thickened lubricating greases investigated in a steel–steel rotating ball-on-three plates tribology cell. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gallego, R.; Cidade, T.; Sánchez, R.; Valencia, C.; Franco, J.M.
• Is Part Of: Tribology international. Volume 94(2016)
• Page Start: 652
• Page End: 660
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: Biopolymer-based lubricating greases -- Friction -- Rheology -- Wear; Tribology -- Periodicals; 621.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2015.10.028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-679X

Abstract

Abstract: In this work, model renewable and biodegradable lubricating greases based on castor oil and chemically modified biopolymers (methylcellulose, chitin and cellulosic pulp) were tribologically characterized in a steel–steel ball-on-plates tribological cell coupled to a controlled-stress rheometer, and the results were compared to those provided by conventional lithium and calcium soap-based greases. Viscous flow, sliding velocity sweep and transient friction tests were carried out and resulting wear scars in the steel plates were evaluated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Different frictional responses were found depending on the thickener, especially at high temperature. Excepting for most severe conditions, wear is negligible when using chemically modified chitin and methylcellulose-based greases as lubricants. Highlights: Tribological response of novel biodegradable lubricating greases. Use of a ball-on-three plates tribological cell coupled to a rheometer. Frictional response depends on the type of thickener and temperature. Some biopolymer-thickened greases provided low friction coefficient values. Negligible wear with chemically modified chitin and methylcellulose-based greases.