THE INFLUENCE OF GRAPHENE AND IONIC LIQUID ON A WATER-BASED LUBRICATING MEDIUM

Abstract

This article investigates the influence of graphene and ionic liquid additives on the tribological properties of a water-based medium. Water was selected as the base medium due to its limited lubrication properties, enabling clearer evaluation of additive effects. The study aimed to determine how different graphene fractions and concentrations, an ionic liquid, and their combination affect friction processes and surface wear. Experiments were conducted using a four-ball tribometer, measuring friction moment and temperature, and analysing wear scars. The tested media included deionized water, water with graphene, water with an ionic liquid, and their combination. The results showed that graphene reduces friction and stabilizes the lubrication regime, while the ionic liquid provides the longest stable lubrication due to the formation of a protective film; however, although their combination reduces friction, it does not always ensure longer lubrication stability than the ionic liquid alone.