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

高摩擦和磨损造成的资源浪费占GDP的6%，在公众舆论要求“绿色”工程润滑剂的时候，开发具有低毒性和长使用寿命的下一代超低摩擦润滑剂的紧迫性日益增加。溶致液晶（LLCs）的层状、层状相显示出有前途的摩擦学性能，其具有层间低剪切强度、类固体弹性和垂直于其层状结构的高承载能力。此外，LLC结构，因此摩擦学性能是可变的压力，剪切，温度和电/磁场的影响下。通过研究EHD接触中LLC的特性，本项目旨在阐明其作用机制。该项目将使用最近开发的EHD摩擦计显微镜装置（PCS仪器），其具有交叉偏振器、波片和摄像机，其可以收集接触件内和接触件周围LLC的真实的实时、高对比度视频，成功地证明了油酸/该设置将被进一步改变以更接近地模拟在生物系统中发现的摩擦学条件，因此使其适合于研究LLC形成分子，如在滑液中发现的本研究的结果也可用于开发工业应用的新型低摩擦润滑剂添加剂。

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.