Synthesis of PMMA-co-PMAA Copolymer Brush on Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(methacrylamide) copolymer (PMMA-co-PMAA) was synthesized by a free radical copolymerization of MMA and MAA monomers in methylethyl ketone using AIBN as radical initiator. Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were oxidized in KMnO4 acidic suspension. Carboxyl groups on the surface oxidized MWCNT were reacted with primary amide group of PMMA-co-PMAA copolymer in MEK solution under ultrasound to form polymer brush on the surface of MWCNT. With the help of TG analyses the amount of covalently grafted PMMA-co-PMAA copolymer onto MWCNT surface was determined as ?47 wt%. TEM analyses identified thin co-polymer layer adhered onto MWCNT surface with average thickness ?5 nm.

Investigation of the tribological performance of ionic liquids in non-conformal EHL contacts under electric field activation

Real-time external alteration of the internal properties of lubricants is highly desirable in all mechanical systems. However, fabricating a suitable and effective smart lubricant is a long-lasting experimental process. In this study, the film thickness and frictional response of ionic liquid-lubricated non-conformal contacts to an electric field excitation under elastohydrodynamic conditions were examined. Film thickness was evaluated using a "ball-on-disc" optical tribometer with an electric circuit. Friction tests were carried on a mini traction machine (MTM) tribometer with a "ball-on-disc" rotation module and an electric circuit for contact area excitation. The results demonstrate that there is a difference in the behaviour of the ionic liquid during electric field excitation at the evaluated film thicknesses. The results of evaluated film thicknesses demonstrate that there is a difference in the behaviour of the ionic liquid during electric field excitation. Therefore, the ionic liquids could be a new basis for the smart lubrication of mechanical components. Moreover, the proposed experimental approach can be used to identify electrosensitive fluids.

Erosive wear properties of ZA-27 alloy-based nanocomposites: Influence of type, amount, and size of nanoparticle reinforcements

Metal matrix nanocomposites(MMnCs)comprise a metal matrix filled with nanosized reinforcements with physical and mechanical properties that are very different from those of the matrix.In ZA-27 alloy-based nanocomposites,the metal matrix provides ductility and toughness,while usually used ceramic reinforcements give high strength and hardness.Tested ZA-27 alloy-based nanocomposites,reinforced with different types(Si C and Al2O3),amounts(0.2 wt.%,0.3 wt.%,and 0.5 wt.%)and sizes(25 nm,50 nm,and 100 nm)of nanoparticles were produced through the compocasting process with mechanical alloying pre-processing(ball milling).It was previously shown that the presence of nanoparticles in ZA-27 alloy-based nanocomposites led to the formation of a finer structure in the nanocomposites matrix and an improvement in the basic mechanical properties(hardness and compressive yield strength)through the enhanced dislocation density strengthening mechanism.Solid particle erosive wear testing demonstrated that these improvements were followed with an increase in the erosive wear resistance of tested nanocomposites,as well.Additionally,by analyzing the influences of type,amount,and size of nanoparticles on the erosive wear resistance of nanocomposites,it was demonstrated that there is an optimal amount of nanoparticles,which in our case is 0.3 wt.%,and that the presence of SiC nanoparticles and smaller nanoparticles in nanocomposites had more beneficial influence on erosive wear resistance.