Roughness-dependent tribological characteristics of water-based GO suspensions with ZrO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles as additives

Hybrid nanosuspensions were synthesised through ultrasonically dispersing ZrO2 or TiO2 nanoparticles into graphene oxide (GO) nanosheet solutions for water-based lubrication. The effect of contact pair roughness on the tribological behaviours ZrO2/GO and TiO2/GO hybrid investigated using a block-on-ring testing approach. With relatively smooth ring, use could reduce abrasive wear, hence improve worn surface quality, owing to relieved asperity ploughing. ring moderate roughness, suppressed occurrence adhesive wear relieving contact. rough generated deposited layer at area that can prevent asperities from direct contact, thus leading lower friction.