The influence of co-solutes on tribology of agar fluid gels

The effects of glucose and glycerol on the lubrication properties of agar fluid gels have been studied using soft tribology. A novel approach using the sediment and supernatant of centrifuged fluid gels has allowed investigation of the distinct contributions of both the gelled particulate phase and the continuous phase on fluid gel tribology. The friction coefficient of both the particulate phase and fluid gels was significantly lower than that of the continuous phase across the three lubrication regimes. This indicates that particle entrainment occurs at all entrainment speeds, enhancing lubrication by prevention of surface contact. Softer fluid gel particles produced with intermediate levels of glycerol (up to 30%) show increased friction as would be expected for an increased contact area between the tribological surfaces. At high levels of glycerol, the friction does not increase. It is proposed that soft particles are produced but the increasing friction is overcome with the increased lubrication from the more highly viscous continuous phase. In contrast, the presence of intermediate levels of glucose (up to 30%) increases the friction of the aqueous continuous phase but does not affect the particle properties. Texture analysis, rheology and light scattering techniques were used to elucidate the structural changes of the fluid gels induced by the addition of co-solutes and the influence this has upon lubrication. [Display omitted] •Tribology of agar fluid gels with added glucose and glycerol is investigated.•Effects of the gelled and continuous phases on fluid gel lubrication are decoupled.•Particle entrainment occurs in all the three lubrication regimes.•Particle entrainment enhances lubrication by preventing surface contact.•Softer particles produced with glycerol and glucose (