Improving frictional and insulation performance with silica-coated titanium dioxide additives in grease

Purpose The purpose of this study was to synthesize composite nanoparticles (TiO 2 @SiO 2 ) via the chemical deposition method and investigate their efficacy as additives in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) lubricating grease. The focus was on examining the frictional and conductive properties of the TiO 2 @SiO 2 grease using a friction tester. Design/methodology/approach Composite nanoparticles (TiO 2 @SiO 2 ) were synthesized using the chemical deposition method and incorporated into PTFE grease. Frictional and conductive properties were evaluated using a friction tester. Surface morphology and chemical composition of wear tracks were analyzed using scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. Findings Incorporating TiO 2 @SiO 2 at a mass fraction of 1 Wt.% led to a significant reduction in friction coefficient and wear width. The wear depth exhibited a remarkable decrease of 260%, while the contact resistance reached its peak value. This improvement in tribological properties could be attributed to the presence of TiO 2 @SiO 2 , where TiO 2 served as the core and SiO 2 as the shell during the friction process. The high hardness of the SiO 2 shell contributed to enhanced load-bearing capacity. In addition, the exceptional insulation properties of SiO 2 demonstrated excellent electron-capturing capabilities, resulting in improved friction and insulation performance of the TiO 2 @SiO 2 lubricating grease. Originality/value This study demonstrates the potential of TiO 2 @SiO 2 composite nanoparticles as additives in lubricating greases, offering improved friction and insulation performance. The findings provide insights into the design of advanced lubricating materials with enhanced tribological properties and insulation capacity, contributing to the development of more efficient and durable lubrication systems.