Modification of lubricants with graphite nanoplates

The review is devoted to the current state of research and achievements in the field of modification of lubricants. To improve the tribological characteristics of lubricants, various additives, in particular, nanoparticles, are used. These additives avoid direct contact, reduce friction and wear. Given that graphene significantly improves the tribological characteristics of lubricants, the main methods for its production are considered. It is shown that the most promising technology for obtaining graphene to modify lubricants is liquid-phase shear exfoliation of crystalline graphite, since oil mixtures with nanoplates are evenly distributed in grease and ensure its stable operation in friction pairs. A variant of mixing graphite nanoplates with grease in a rotary disperser is considered. It is shown that, along with an increase in tribological characteristics, the lubricant modified with graphite nanoplates creates an antifriction film on friction surfaces. The compositions of the antifriction film and the results of its use are analyzed. The ways of improving the technology of modifying greases with graphite nanoplates are outlined. First of all, it is necessary to modernize the main equipment:  a drum rod mill; node for classifying graphene-containing suspensions according to the nanoplates size; rotary disperser. Considering that the maximum effect is observed when using an antifriction film + grease modified with graphite nanoplates, it is necessary to study in detail the antifriction film formation and determine its optimal content in the lubricant. 

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