Tribological behaviors of water-based drilling mud with oleic acid-filled microcapsules as lubricant additives for steel-steel contact

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the tribology behavior of steel–steel contact under the lubrication of water-based drilling mud with different oleic acid-filled microcapsules as lubricant additives. Design/methodology/approach A ball-on-disc tribometer was used to evaluate the lubrication properties of the steel–steel contact. The wear tracks of the worn surfaces were observed by a scanning electron microscope. Findings Results show that the dependence of both friction and wear on the category of additives shares a consistent pattern. In contrast to oleic acid and empty microcapsules, oleic acid-filled microcapsules achieve the best tribological performance which is related to the lubricant effect of oleic acid and the isolation and rolling abilities of microcapsules. Practical implications This study provides a helpful method of encapsulated lubricant additives to prolong lubrication performance for steel–steel contact. Originality/value This study has applied microcapsules to improve the tribological properties of drilling mud. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-08-2019-0320/