A study of the anti-wear and friction-reducing properties of the lubricant additive, nanometer zinc borate

Nanometer crystal zinc borate with a particle size of 20–50 nm was prepared using the ethanol supercritical fluid drying technique. Tribology properties of 500 SN oil containing nanometer zinc borate particles thus prepared were measured. Results indicated that compared with the base oil the wear resistance and load-carrying capacity of the oil were improved and the friction coefficient was decreased. There was an optimal content of zinc borate, and the corresponding oil gave the highest maximum nonseized load. Diboron trioxide was formed and tribochemical boronization took place in friction. Nanometer zinc borate took effect by deposition of diboron trioxide on the rubbing surface and tribochemical boronization.