Anticorrosion and lubricating properties of an aqueous graphene-based nanofluid

The production of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) by liquid phase exfoliation in an aqueous solution has furnished a graphene-based nanofluid, so-called graphenofluid, with anticorrosion and lubricating properties of high performance. This enhancement is the consequence of a new process of exfoliation through an hydrodynamic cavitating 'lab on a chip'. Corrosion rates below 10 mu m/year were measured on stainless steel, copper, brass and tin samples. These anticorrosion properties are the consequences of the presence of sodium cholate, that is used as a surfactant. Lubricating properties are the consequences of the presence of few layer GNP and are enhanced when the graphenofluid is used onto rough surfaces. A coefficient of friction below 0.1 was recorded onto rough surfaces under moderate loads of 5 N. This low level of friction was also recorded onto smooth plates submitted to higher loads of 200 N. Such a graphenofluid exhibits the advantages of a ecofriendly water-based lubricant with a low coefficient of friction but without prohibitive corrosive effects.

Automated summary

The production of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) through liquid phase exfoliation in an aqueous solution has resulted in the development of a high-performing graphene-based nanofluid, known as graphenofluid, with excellent anticorrosion and lubricating properties. This improvement is attributed to a new exfoliation process using hydrodynamic cavitating 'lab on a chip'. The addition of sodium cholate as a surfactant is responsible for the anticorrosion properties, while the presence of few layer GNP enhances the lubricating properties, especially on rough surfaces.