In situ fabrication polysiloxane nanoparticles on friction surface to improve tribological behavior of gear oil

Abstract It is well documented that silane coupling agents are commonly used to modify the surface of nanoparticles to improve their dispersion stability in lubricating oils. In this study, the silane coupling agent 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH560) was added to commercial gear oils and white nanoparticles (WNPs) were generated in situ during friction. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis showed that the generated nanoparticles were polysiloxane nanoparticles. The polysiloxane nanoparticles generated in the contact area of the friction pair acted as rolling bearings and improved the lubrication condition in the contact area, and also worked synergistically with P-containing antiwear additives in the oil to significantly reduce friction and wear, with the coefficient of friction being reduced by a maximum of 25.2%, and the diameter of the wear marks being reduced by a maximum of 53.4%.