In situ Friction-Induced Copper Nanoparticles at the Sliding Interface Between Steel Tribo-Pairs and their Tribological Properties

This work investigates in situ friction-generated copper nanoparticles at the sliding in the precursor solution of copper formate tetrahydrate and octylamine, which induced by frictional heat, it can effectively mitigate wear while slightly reducing friction coefficient. The frictional heat between tribo-pairs accelerated the decomposition of the precursor into in situ generated copper nanoparticles, as indicated by black stripe regions on the worn surface. This study opened a new strategy to achieve low friction and wear through the thermal decomposition of the liquid lubricants during sliding.