Tribological performances of ceramic oxide nanoparticle additives in sodium borate melt under steel/steel sliding contacts at high temperatures

The tribological and anti-oxidation performances of Sodium Borate melt with added ceramic oxide nanoadditives (SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2, CaCO3) have been studied on stainless steel at 930 degrees C. Characterizations of wear surfaces in terms of morphology and interfacial chemistry have also been conducted to address the lubrication and antioxidation mechanisms. SiO2 nanoparticle was found to deliver the best anti-oxidation and lubrication performances outperforming other nanoparticles due to its synergistic reactions with sodium borate melt. Intriguingly, SiO2 nanoparticle also inhibits the corrosion attack of sodium toward the oxide/steel surfaces and the boriding effect. Meanwhile, other nanoparticles can only either improve the lubricity or anti-oxidation of sodium borate but fail to limit the corrosion of the oxide scale from sodium. Data availability: All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article (and its supplementary information files).

Automated summary

The addition of SiO2 nanoparticles enhances the anti-oxidation and lubrication performance of sodium borate melt, while inhibiting the corrosion attack of sodium on oxide surfaces. Other nanoparticles can only improve one aspect of performance and cannot simultaneously enhance both anti-oxidation and lubrication properties.