Influence of interface liquid lubrication on triboelectrification of point contact friction pair.

Triboelectrification typically occurs in the friction process. In this study, we investigated the effect of liquid lubricants of various polarities on triboelectrification in a friction pair consisting of a steel ball and polyvinylidene fluoride blocks. The results revealed that alkanes and alkenes enhanced triboelectrification. On addition of PAO 4, the friction coefficient reduced considerably, and the short-circuit current could be output stably for a long time. With the increase in the viscosity of PAO, the triboelectric signal gradually decreased. This study revealed that the appropriate lubricant and the quantity of liquid can increase the size of the triboelectric signal to achieve a stable output for a long time. Monitoring the lubrication status of the machine was very important to the life of the machine. Through the change of the triboelectric signal, the state of the lubricant in the friction pair could be reflected in real-time, and the lubrication of the friction pair in the mechanical system can be monitored online to improve Machine life and safety. This research provides a real-time and online strategy for monitoring the lubrication status of friction pairs. [Display omitted] • Alkanes and alkenes enhanced triboelectrification. • Under dry friction, air breakdown changed short-circuit current. • After adding PAO 4, the short-circuit current could be output stably for a long time. • With the increase in the viscosity of PAO, the triboelectric signal gradually decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]