Journal article
Lubrication of soft and hard interfaces with thermo-responsive F127 hydrogel
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark1
Materials and Surface Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark2
National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark3
Division of Industrial Food Research, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark4
In this study, we have investigated the lubricating properties of an aqueous fluid prepared with polyoxamer triblock copolymer in water, namely “F127-20” (F127 at the concentration of 20% wt./vol.). In coherence with its well-known thermo-responsive rheological properties, lubricating properties of F127-20 also displayed varying lubricating properties, both in the lubricating mechanism and efficacy, as a function of temperature, speed and tribopairs.
F127-20 was most effective in lubricating a soft interface (PDMSePDMS) based on its gel-forming properties in 22.5-60 °C and feasible formation of hydrodynamic lubricating films at all speeds. More importantly, enhanced shear thinning of F127-20 and an optimum pressure opposed from PDMSePDMS tribological contact led to a substantial reduction in viscosity of the lubricant and smooth gliding of the interface while maintaining fluidic lubricating films.
At temperatures lower or higher than temperature range 22.5-60 °C, F127-20 behaved as a liquid, and boundary lubrication became the dominant lubrication mechanism. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Language: | English |
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Year: | 2014 |
Pages: | 5708-5717 |
ISSN: | 18732291 and 00323861 |
Types: | Journal article |
DOI: | 10.1016/j.polymer.2014.08.068 |
ORCIDs: | Røn, Troels , Chronakis, Ioannis S. and Lee, Seunghwan |