Innovative stearic acid-in-silicone oil (o/o) phase change material lubricating emulsions (PCMLEs): Thermo-rheological and tribological properties

Abstract

This paper analyses the feasibility of using novel non-aqueous stearic acid-in-silicone oil (o/o) phase change material lubricating emulsions (PCMLEs). The novel use of these dispersions with heat storage capacity for lubricating applications can be considered a new approach since they have not yet been used for such purposes. In this study, PCMLEs consist of stearic acid, with a melting point of roughly 69 °C, as a dispersed phase change material in a continuous silicone oil medium. Samples were prepared by mixing different phase ratios, by high-shear processing and stabilised by a constant concentration of a silicone-based non-ionic surfactant. Taking into consideration the ability of stearic acid to absorb latent thermal energy during machinery operation, the potential application in lubrication has been assessed by means of stationary and temperature ramp friction tests. Moreover, the effect of the phase transition on the PCMLEs’ rheological response has been analysed through stationary flow tests and frequency sweeps within the linear viscoelastic range at constant temperatures, below (40 °C) and above (80 °C) the melting process of the disperse phase. Additionally, their thermal properties and morphology were also studied through X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarised optical microscopy. As a result, the reported rheological properties and microstructure led to the enhancement in tribological characteristics of PCMLEs since a significant reduction in the friction factor is evidenced, within the whole temperature range, when compared to the silicone oil.