Preparation and tribological properties of Ti3C2(OH)2 nanosheets as additives in base oil

Abstract

The two-dimensional Ti₃C₂(OH)₂ nanosheets were synthesized by exfoliation of laminated Ti₃AlC₂ in HF and characterized by X-ray diffractometry, SEM, TEM, and HRTEM. The results indicated that the Ti₃C₂(OH)₂ compounds had 2D layer-like structures with a thickness of 10–20 nm, and the fabrication process of Ti₃C₂(OH)₂ nanosheets was discussed on the basis of the experimental facts. The tribological properties of Ti₃C₂(OH)₂ nanosheets as additives in base oil were investigated using a UMT-2 ball-on-disc tribotester. Under the determinate conditions, the friction coefficient of the base oil containing Ti₃C₂(OH)₂ nanosheets was lower than that of the base oil under 15 N load with 200 rpm, and decreased with increasing mass fraction of Ti₃C₂(OH)₂ nanosheets when it was <1.0 wt%. A combination of sliding friction, and stable tribofilm on the rubbing surface could explain the improved tribological properties of Ti₃C₂(OH)₂ nanosheets as additives.