Tuning Tribological Performance of Layered Zirconium Phosphate Nanoplatelets in Oil by Surface and Interlayer Modifications

Two-dimensional (2D) inorganic layered nanoplatelets exhibit superior lubricating properties in both solid states and oil dispersions. In this paper, we have systematically investigated the effects of surface and interlayer modifications on the tribological performance of layered alpha-zirconium phosphate (ZrP) nanoplatelets in mineral oil. The pristine layered ZrP nanoplatelets were first reacted with silanes of different alkyl chains to achieve outer surface modifications, followed by intercalation with different alkyl amines to alter the interlayer spacing. Friction and anti-wear studies on ZrP nanoplatelets with various modifications in mineral oils suggest that a longer alkyl chain on the outer surfaces along with a small increase in interlayer spacing would lead to a better tribological behavior especially under a relatively heavy load condition. Our results illustrate the ability of tuning the tribological properties of 2D layered nanoplatelets in oils by varying their surface and interlayer functionalities and would be helpful for understanding the underlying tribological mechanisms of nanolubricating oils containing 2D layered nanoplatelets.