Tribological properties of water‐soluble TiO₂ nanoparticles as additives in water

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prepare water‐soluble TiO₂ nanoparticles and evaluate the tribological properties as additives in water.

Design/methodology/approach

Nanoparticles present excellent friction‐reducing and antiwear properties as additives in base oils. However, there are seldom literatures about the nanoparticles as additives in water as yet. In this work, water‐soluble TiO₂ nanoparticles were prepared by sol‐gel method and characterized with transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction. The tribological properties as additives in water were investigated by SRV and the surface analysis by scanning electron microscope and X‐ray photon electron spectroscope.

Findings

TiO₂ nanoparticles modified with polyethylene glycol have uniform size about 10 nm and easily dissolve in water. The tribological experiments showed TiO₂ nanoparticles exhibit excellent friction‐reducing and antiwear properties.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is restricted to only TiO₂ nanoparticles. Some other water‐soluble nanoparticles also should be prepared and their tribological properties investigated.

Practical implications

Water‐soluble TiO₂ nanoparticles could be used as water additives and improve the tribological properties.

Originality/value

This paper emphasises that the water‐soluble nanoparticles are prepared and could be used as water additives.

Citation

Wang, J., Li, J., Wang, X. and Liu, W. (2010), "Tribological properties of water‐soluble TiO₂ nanoparticles as additives in water", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 62 No. 5, pp. 292-297. https://doi.org/10.1108/00368791011064455