In this experimental investigation, a core–shell-structured
nano-lubricating additive was synthesized utilizing the dielectric
barrier discharge plasma (DBDP)-assisted ball grinding technique for
a duration of 5 h. The microstructural analysis of the nano-TiO2 powder was performed employing advanced methods such as X-ray
diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetry–differential scanning
calorimetry (TG-DSC). The initial particle size of TiO2 was refined from 1 μm to a range of 150–200 nm, resulting
in a remarkable increase in lattice distortion rate by 88.2% and an
oil affinity enhancement of 200%. Through the introduction of CTAB’s
oil-compatible group onto the surface of nano-TiO2 particles,
a modified layer with a thickness of 21 nm possessing superior thermal
stability and an activation energy (E
a) of 600 kJ/mol was successfully produced. Molecular dynamics simulations
were conducted to elucidate the mechanism underlying the surface modification
of nano-TiO2 powder facilitated by DBDP-assisted ball grinding,
thereby revealing the pivotal role of electrostatic forces in the
organic modification of the TiO2 surface. It was found
that electrostatic forces dominantly govern the cetyl trimethyl ammonium
bromide (CTAB)–TiO2 composite interface model, contributing
to 70% of the total energy with a maximum energy proportion of −187.84
kcal/mol. To evaluate the lubrication performance of the composite
oil samples under boundary lubrication conditions, comprehensive assessments
were carried out using the four-ball method and reciprocating friction
experiments. The results demonstrated noteworthy enhancements in viscosity
index, dynamic viscosity, and oil film thickness within the composite
oil samples. Particularly, the composite oil containing 0.5 wt % TiO2@CTAB exhibited outstanding extreme pressure resistance, manifesting
a significant reduction of 41.7% in the average friction coefficient,
a considerable increase of 25.8% in wear spot diameter, and a substantial
elevation of 66.9% in maximum nonseizure load. Compared to the base
oil, the incorporation of 0.5 wt % TiO2@CTAB led to a notable
increment of 34.7% in oil film thickness, 6.7% in dynamic viscosity,
and 9% in viscosity index. In the tribological experiment simulating
marine diesel engines, the friction coefficient witnessed a remarkable
reduction by 65.8%, accompanied by a substantial decrease of 54.1%
in wear rate. This noteworthy improvement in boundary lubrication
conditions of the friction pair effectively mitigated friction and
wear. For comprehensive characterization of the wear marks, energy-dispersive
spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques
were employed to analyze the physical structure and chemical composition.
The implementation of TiO2@CTAB nano-lubricating additives
resulted in nanobearing and deposition effects, leading to a reduction
in contact area and surface roughness, thereby facilitating the restoration
of the friction pairs. These findings possess significant implications
for extending the service life of die...