A novel earthworm-inspired smart lubrication material with self-healing function. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ruan, Hongwei; Zhang, Yaoming; Wang, Qihua; Wang, Chao; Wang, Tingmei
• Is Part Of: Tribology international. Volume 165(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: Friction and wear -- Porous polyimide -- Recycle smart-lubrication -- Self-healing; Tribology -- Periodicals; 621.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2021.107303
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-679X

Abstract

Abstract: Wear is inevitable during the process of materials friction. Herein, inspired by organisms such as earthworms, we have developed a novel material that can repair itself after wear. The self-healing material was fabricated through injecting a phase-change material into the porous matrix to form a composite, which can spontaneously release the internal medium and form a stable lubricating layer. When the lubricating layer is worn, the internal medium can be continuously released to the surface under thermal stimulation, due to the solidifiable/liquid properties of the internal medium, which realize self-healing of the damaged lubricating layer. The as-prepared composite not only provides multiple self-healing and smart lubrication properties, but also maintain stable friction due to the presence of the lubricating layer. Highlights: A novel smart lubrication material with self-healing function was prepared. The COF of the PPI-wax is reduced by 54.5% (PPI-PAO 10 = 0.121, PPI-Wax = 0.055), and the matrix has no obvious wear. The self-repair process can last at least 353 times. The outstanding lubricity and self-healing of PPI-wax is ascribed to dynamic responsiveness of the surface lubricant layer.