An in lubro investigation of lyotropic liquid crystals - a biologically inspired novel green low friction additive

高摩擦磨损造成的资源浪费高达GDP的6%，在公众舆论要求‘绿色’工程实践的时代，开发毒性低、使用寿命长的下一代超低摩擦润滑剂的紧迫性越来越高。层状层状溶致液晶显示出良好的摩擦学性能，层间剪切强度低，层状弹性好，垂直于层状结构的承载能力高。此外，LLC的结构以及摩擦学性能在压力、剪切、温度和电场/磁场的影响下都是不同的。通过研究EHD接触中LLC的性质，本项目旨在阐明它们的作用机制。该项目将使用最近开发的带有交叉偏振器、波片和摄像机的EHD摩擦仪(PCS仪器)的显微镜装置，该装置可以收集接触内和接触周围的LLC的实时、高对比度视频，并成功地用油酸/TEPA演示。这种装置将进一步改变，以更接近于生物系统中发现的摩擦学条件，从而使其适合于研究LLC形成分子，就像在滑液中发现的那样。本研究结果也可用于开发新型工业用低摩擦润滑油添加剂。

Wastage of resources resulting from high friction and wear accounts for up to 6% of the GDP and, at a time where 'green' engineering practises are demanded by public opinion there is a growing urgency for the development of the next generation of ultra-low friction lubricants with a low toxicity and long service life. The layered, lamellar phase of lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) display promising tribological properties possessing low shear strength between layers and, solid like elasticity and high load carrying capacity perpendicular to their layered structure. Furthermore, LLC structure, and hence tribological properties are variable under the influence of pressure, shear, temperature, and electric/magnetic fields. By investigating the properties of LLCs in EHD contacts this project aims to elucidate their mechanism of action. The project will use the recently developed microscope set-up of the EHD Tribometer (PCS Instruments) with crossed polariser, waveplate and video camera which can collect real time, high contrast videos of LLC in and around the contact, successfully demonstrated with Oleic Acid/TEPA.This setup will be further altered to mimic closer the tribological conditions found in biological systems hence making it suitable to study LLC forming molecules like those found in synovial fluid. The results of this study can also be used to develop novel low friction lubricant additives for industrial applications.