Improving Sliding Wear of AISI52100 Using Cellulose Microparticles Additive

Abstract:

This paper discusses the wear behavior of self-mated AISI52100 bearing steel lubricated by polyol ester containing additives of bacterial cellulose particles. The wear properties are compared to those of surfaces lubricated by the base fluid without the additive. The sliding tests were conducted using a pin-on-disk reciprocating tribometer at room temperature. The results indicate that after a sliding distance of 72 meters, the friction coefficient was relatively similar for both lubricant conditions. However, the wear of the material was significantly reduced with the presence of cellulose particles in the lubricant, improving it by almost 100%. Observation of the worn area of the pin indicates the formation of a tribofilm on the contact interface facilitated by the cellulose particles. EDX analysis revealed that the film comprises oxygen and carbon-rich elements. It seems that the tribo-layer formed by a tribo-chemical reaction during sliding has acted as a protective barrier, preventing surface material ploughing and reducing wear on the tribo-pair.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volume 1150)
• Pages: 75-82
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-ym6zxC
• Online since: June 2025
• Authors: Rudi Kurniawan, Zahrul Fuadi*, Dieter Rahmadiawan, M.A. Kalam, Ayu Maulinda
• Keywords: Bacterial Cellulose, Eco-Friendly Lubricant, Friction, Polyolester, Wear

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