Influence of medical-grade montmorillonite on the tribological and safety performance of composite aluminum-based grease

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to reduce the harm of industrial lubricants to consumers. Composite aluminum-based grease (CAG) was prepared, and medical-grade montmorillonite (M-MMT) was used to improve the antiwear performance of the prepared grease.

Design/methodology/approach

The influence of the additive (M-MMT) on the tribological performance is mainly investigated using a ball-disc wear tester, and the wear scar surface about the disc was characterized by white light interferometer and electrochemical workstation. Moreover, the cell viability test was used to evaluate the safety of the grease.

Findings

The results indicated that for the grease containing 1.5% M-MMT, the average coefficient of friction was reduced by about 46% compared with the CAG, the wear volume of the disc reduced by about 74%. Moreover, CAG and 1.5% M-MMT-containing CAG were proved safety by means of the cell viability test.

Originality/value

The integral properties of CAG can be improved with the medical-grade materials as the additives, while ensuring the safety.

Citation

Qian, S., Gong, L., Wang, W., Ni, Z. and Ren, H. (2022), "Influence of medical-grade montmorillonite on the tribological and safety performance of composite aluminum-based grease", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 74 No. 10, pp. 1140-1146. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-03-2022-0075