Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of tribofilms enhanced by fullerene-like nanoparticles

Sammanfattning: The beneficiary effects of WS2 inorganic fullerene-like nanoparticles in the lubrication industry were shown in recent years. The incorporation of the nanoparticles into lubricants (oils, greases) is however not straightforward.When two surfaces are sliding against each other and a lubricant is used, a thin layer (tribofilm) is formed on the contact area, which effects the friction process. Lubricants usually contain several additives. These additives can impair the friction reducing behaviour of the WS2 inorganic fullerene-like nanoparticles. This thesis investigates the effects of several additives in the lubrication process by analysing the tribofilms formed on the worn surfaces using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in a scanning electron microscope.