Tribological Properties of Attapulgite Nanofiber as Lubricant Additive for Electric-Brush Plated Ni Coating

In order to expand the application field of attapulgite in tribology, the tribological properties of attapulgite as a lubricant additive on electric-brush plated Ni coating were investigated using the ball-disc contact mode of a SRV-IV friction and wear tester. The worn surfaces were characterized and analyzed via scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Results indicated that the friction-reducing and antiwear properties of 150 SN lubricating oil on the Ni coating were remarkably improved by an appropriate amount of attapulgite. Tribofilm mainly composed of Ni, NiO, SiO2, Al2O3, graphite, and organic compounds was formed on the worn surface under the action of attapulgite, which was responsible for the reduction of friction and wear.

Automated summary

The tribological properties of attapulgite as a lubricant additive on electric-brush plated Ni coating were investigated. Results showed that an appropriate amount of attapulgite significantly improved the friction-reducing and antiwear properties of 150 SN lubricating oil on the Ni coating. A tribofilm composed of Ni, NiO, SiO2, Al2O3, graphite, and organic compounds was formed on the worn surface under the action of attapulgite, which contributed to the reduction of friction and wear.