Udmurt Federal Research Center UB RAS, Izhevsk, Russia

D. K. Zhirov, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Senior Researcher, e-mail: zhirov_dmitriy@mail.ru

Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics RAS, Moscow, Russia.

A. M. Lipanov, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Academician of RAS, Chief Researcher, e-mail: aml35@yandex.ru

The results of a study on a suspension containing industrial oil I-20A and copper nanopowder at concentrations of
0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5 (wt.%) are presented in the paper. The work simulated a mode of insufficient lubrication in the friction zone – 0.1 ml of lubricant was added to the friction zone and the lubricant was not renewed throughout the experiment. The tests were carried out on a friction machine SRV-3 at a load of 200 N, an amplitude of 3 mm and a frequency of 5 Hz. The addition of 0.1% by weight copper nanoparticles to industrial oil showed the best results in reducing the coefficient of friction and wear compared to the base oil. The mechanism is explained by the deposition of small copper particles in the wear area and the improvement of tribological characteristics, this is confirmed by the analysis of wear surfaces on a scanning electron microscope. At concentrations above 0.1%, particle aggregation occurs and, as a result, abrasive wear increases. At copper concentrations less than 0.1%, only partial film formation occurs, and the uneven distribution of particles does not provide any advantages over the base oil. Copper nanoparticles are a promising material for improving the lubricating properties of oils and restoring surfaces. Their use allows you to reduce friction, reduce wear and extend the service life of mechanisms. However, for widespread adoption, issues of aggregation and cost need to be addressed, and further research into long-term effects needs to be conducted.

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