Liquid Tungsten tests demonstrate 36-times improvement in lubricant performance

Apr 1, 2024 | liquid tungsten, tungsten disulphide | 0 comments

Liquid Tungsten tests demonstrate
36-times improvement in lubricant performance

Techenomics latest tests produce “whopping” results
Liquid Tungsten continues to show its mettle in improving the effectiveness of lubricants with new testing by Techenomics demonstrating a “whopping” 36-times improvement in tribological performance.

The tests at Techenomics’ laboratory in Gunnedah, NSW, not only returned this improvement compared with the base lubricant, but also reduced iron wear from 324 parts per million (ppm) per hour to just 2.16ppm.

In revealing these new results, Techenomics CEO Chris Adsett said they were “whopping” and backed up other test results obtained independently by the company since it began working with the nano-sized tungsten di-sulphide particles, or Liquid Tungsten, more than five years ago.

Developed by US-based NIS and distributed by Techenomics throughout its network and exclusively to the mining industry, the nano-particles have unique mechanical, chemical, thermal and tribological properties.

Tribologist and Senior Mechanical Engineer based in Newman, Western Australia, Dr Gopal Kumar, explains that “the unique patented technology involves nano-spheres, or onion-like structures, with layers that exfoliate under pressure to form a super-strong protective tribofilm on the contacting surfaces, thus curbing wear and absorbing shock forces.

“These nanoparticles roll between the surfaces acting as ball bearings, reducing friction, filling surface imperfections and preventing the propagation of cracks.”

In the latest tests using a Timken OK apparatus, Liquid Tungsten-IC 3100 was added to the base lubricant, Titan SuperGear (85W140), at concentration levels of 2%, 3% and 5%.

Three methods were used in the testing:

Method-1
Applying a maximum load of 5kg and 3.75kg at the ends of the long lever, and observing until the wheel came to a stop. This duration is referred to as the time to fail (in seconds) of the lubricant. The wear scar area (WSA-Lxb) was then measured.

Method-2
Adding weight blocks one by one until the wheel came to a stop to assist in determining the maximum load-carrying capacity of the lubricant.

Agglomeration Test
The test was categorized into five segments based on the method of sampling. In the figure below, at various levels (1-3), the tungsten weight content (%) may vary, and in practice, it settles down, resulting in a non-homogeneous mixture. The fourth category (m) involved thorough mixing throughout with a glass rod, followed by taking a sample for testing and the fifth category (a) involved mixing Liquid Tungsten during the time of testing with no prior mixing.

Testing at different levels may yield distinct tribological and analytical results.
In conclusion, Dr Gopal pointed out that a 2% concentration of Liquid Tungsten yielded favourable tribological results with up to 36 times improved performance compared to the base lubricant.
He said ICP analysis clearly indicated elevated lead (Pb) content before each test case, which significantly decreased after testing and added that the FTIR results showed decreased acidity after the test.