In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Applied Materials Today, Dr. Winston “Wole” Soboyejo and Dr. Tabiri Kwayie Asumadu from SUNY Polytechnic Institute introduced a new approach to reducing friction on metallic surfaces. Their research, titled “Robust Macroscale Superlubricity on Carbon-Coated Metallic Surfaces,” could potentially revolutionize various industries by significantly decreasing friction-related issues.
The research conducted by Dr. Soboyejo and Dr. Asumadu opens up a world of possibilities in terms of practical applications. For instance, in the automotive sector, where more than 30% of fuel in passenger vehicles is consumed to overcome friction, the implementation of these novel coatings could lead to a substantial improvement in fuel efficiency. Similarly, in manufacturing and industrial machinery, the reduction in wear and tear could result in significant cost savings and contribute to lowering the percentage of countries’ GDP spent on friction-related equipment problems.
In addition, the impact of these superlubricious coatings extends to electronic devices, where even minute amounts of friction can pose significant challenges. By alleviating friction through the use of carbon coatings made from biowaste, these coatings have the potential to enhance the performance and longevity of machine parts, reduce maintenance and replacement costs, and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable industrial future.
The study delves into the experimental and computational results of achieving ultralow friction on carbon-coated metallic surfaces deposited on substrates of structural steels, Ti, and Ni alloys. Through the utilization of structurally misoriented carbon coatings produced from a high-temperature biowaste treatment process, the researchers were able to demonstrate and sustain macroscale superlubricity over several cycles.
By depositing carbon nanocrystals with graphene footprints on metallic surfaces, the researchers observed a superlubricious coefficient of friction of approximately 0.003. These carbon nanocrystals deformed, flattened, and merged within wear tracks to form graphitic films, resulting in a remarkable coating life of approximately 150,000 cycles with reduced wear rates on Ni and steel substrates.
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly in the design of robust and cost-effective macroscale superlubricious carbon coatings on metallic substrates. By utilizing biowaste as a sustainable carbon source within a circular economy framework, the researchers have highlighted the potential for material recycling to reduce the global carbon footprint and promote environmental sustainability.
Moving forward, the collaborative efforts of materials scientists across Africa and the Northeastern United States, including Mobin Vandadi, Desmond Edem Primus Klenam, Kwadwo Mensah-Darkwa, Emmanuel Gikunoo, Samuel Kwofie, and Nima Rahbar, are essential in further exploring the applications and benefits of superlubricity on metallic surfaces. As Dr. Soboyejo emphasized, this research holds promise for both the environment and the economy, underscoring its significance in paving the way towards a more sustainable industrial future.
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