Solid/Powder lubrication for extreme-environments

Lamellar powders are considered solid lubricant materials which can be used in high-temperature environments. Powders such as molybdenum disulphide, tungsten disulphide, boric acid, and graphite are being studied for their ability to act as solid lubricants in sliding contacts in extreme-environments such as space, next-generation turbines, and deep wells. 

Particle-augmented mixed lubrication (PAML) is a tribological regime where the load on a sliding surface is supported by the surface asperities, fluid, and small particles within the interface.

PFTL Researcher(s): Emmanuel Wornyoh, Jonathan Kyle, Randyka Pudjoprawoto

Method(s) employed: High-speed and load tribometry, Labview, tribological modeling, wear modeling, surface profilometry

Sponsor(s): PITA, Dowd Fellowship

Reference(s): Wornyoh, E. , Jasti. V., and Higgs, C.F. III, "A Review of Dry Particulate Lubrication: Powder and Granular Materials," ASME Journal of Tribology, Vol. 129, 2007. (pdf)