High-performance liquid metal-based SiC/Graphene-Mo hybrid nanofluid for hydraulic transmission

A novel liquid metal-based SiC/Graphene-Mo hybrid nanofluid (LMNF) has been fabricated. The nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed, and LMNF temperature-viscosity characteristics is stabler in a wider temperature range than traditional hydraulic media. With this, the LMNF tribological performance on Al2O3 and SS316L friction pairs is studied: The LMNF has superior severe-pressure and high-temperature lubrication with the nanoparticle-enabled wear resistance. The SS316L surface forms composite nanofilm with the LMNF, which prevents adhesive wear and mitigates liquid metal corrosion. Comparatively, the nanoparticles function as "micro-bearings" on the Al2O3 surfaces to assist lubrication. These benefits are reflected in the gear pump volumetric efficiency and wear rate of our industry-level hydraulic system, approving LMNF as a potential hydraulic transmission medium in harsh conditions.