Experimental research on tribological performance of water-based rolling liquid containing nano-TiO2

Nano-TiO2 was dispersed in water to study the influences of nanoparticles on the tribological properties of water-based rolling liquid for hot steel. The phase composition and microstructure of nano-TiO2 were investigated by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy methods. The friction reduction and antiwear properties were measured on a four-ball friction tester, and then hot rolling experiments with lubrication have been carried out. The rolling force and surface roughness were measured. Moreover, the surface elements of the steel lubricated by nano-TiO2 rolling liquid were analyzed by energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results showed that nano-TiO2 as water- based liquid additives can effectively improve the antiwear properties of steel-steel friction pair and reduce the friction coefficient. At the same time, nano-TiO2 shows good lubrication properties during hot rolling. It is inferred from the lubrication and repairing mechanism that TiO2 nanoparticles sediment on the surface of steel, and the lower surface film is formed under high temperature and high pressure. The film possesses excellent antiwear, friction- reducing and repair properties.