Mechanical and lubrication properties enabled through mixed 2D materials

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Poor lubrication and wear performance in moving mechanical and biological systems impact all of humanity. Specific to mechanical systems, approximately 860 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year can be eliminated through improvements in lubrication technologies. This project directly addresses this issue by examining novel dry lubricants comprised of layered 2D materials, termed "van der Waals heterostructures" (vdHW) as a mechanism to exquisitely control the friction and wear properties of surfaces. The proposed project will be focussed on measuring the mechanical stiffness, surface adhesion reduction, and lubrication performance of the vdHW. The impact of surface contamination and water/liquid intercalation on these materials will also be examined through controlled humidity experiments. This project will result in the training of one postdoctoral fellow, two MSc students, and two undergraduate research students, as well as provide support for the collaborative work on the development of nanoadditive lubricants. Given the early stage of development of these materials in industry, the work will provide the foundation for the future application of vdWH as additives in nanoenhanced lubricants. Concurrent development of vdWH with other projects in the applicant's group examining nanoenhanced lubricants, supported by Calgary L&G, will facilitate the knowledge transfer from the lab to industry for these materials. This fundamental approach and innovation pathway will be a key component in ensuring Alberta and Canada's competitiveness in the lubricant synthesis sector. Finally, the training opportunities offered to HQP will ensure that Alberta and Canada have sufficient trained experts to support continued excellence in lubrication science and technology.