Controllable synthesis and friction reduction of ZnFe2O4@C microspheres with diverse core-shell architectures

Abstract The effect of microstructures of carbon microspheres on their tribological behaviors has been paid more attention. It was prepared that ZnFe2O4@C microspheres with diverse core-shell architectures in the present paper. The tribological properties and lubrication mechanism of these microspheres as lubricant additives were studied as well. Results revealed that ZnFe2O4 played a key role in controlling the size of the microspheres and catalyzing the transformation of amorphous carbon to curved graphite or fullerene-like carbon. The excellent tribological properties of the microspheres could be contributed to the gradual occurrence of curved graphite and fullerene-like structure in the microspheres and the formation of tribofilms with some graphite structure on the worn scar during rubbing process.