Tribological modification of high-density polyethylene by using carbon soot from diesel combustion

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the tribological properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) modified by carbon soot from the combustion of No. 0 diesel. Design/methodology/approach Carbon soot is characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electronic microscopy. The tribological properties of HDPE samples with carbon soot are investigated on a materials surface tester with a ball-on-disk friction pair. Findings The collected carbon soot mainly comprises amorphous carbon nanoparticles of 50-100 nm in diameter. The main wear behaviours of pure HDPE include abrasive wear and plastic deformation. After adding carbon soot nanoparticles to HDPE, HDPE wear decreases. The appropriate carbon soot content is 8 per cent in HDPE under the selected testing conditions. Compared with other HDPE samples, HDPE with 8 per cent carbon soot has higher melting temperature, lower abrasive wear and better wear resistance. The lubrication of HDPE with carbon soot is due to the formation of a transferring film composed of HDPE, amorphous carbon and graphite carbon. Originality/value The paper reveals the HDPE modification and lubrication mechanisms by using carbon soot from the combustion of diesel. Related research can perhaps provide a potential approach for the treatment of carbon soot exhaust emission.

Effects of carbon soot from the combustion of diesel fuels on the tribological properties of lubricating oil and diesel fuels

“…Contamination by carbon soot can lead to tribological changes of lubricating oils. Recent works have investigated the chemical state and tribological behaviors of carbon soot (Antusch et al, 2010;Sharma et al, 2016;Cao et al, 2016).…”