Preparation and tribology properties of water-soluble fullerene derivative nanoball

Water-soluble fullerene derivatives were synthesized via radical polymerization. They are completely soluble in water, yielding a clear brown solution. The products were characterized by FTIR, UV-Vis, H-1-NMR, (CNMR)-C-13, GPC, TGA, and SEM. Four-ball tests show that the addition of a certain concentration of the fullerene derivatives to base stock (2 wt.% triethanolamine aqueous solution) can effectively increase both the load-carrying capacity (P-B value), and the resistance to wear. SEM observations confirm the additive results in a reduced diameter of the wear scar and decreased wear. (C) 2013 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.