Research Progress and Prospect of Liquid Metals Used as Lubricants

doi:10.3901/JME.2020.09.137

Abstract

Abstract: As a new material, liquid metal usually refers to a low melting point alloy with a melting point below 200℃. It is an amorphous, flowable metal. The liquid metal at room temperature has a lower melting point and is liquid at room temperature. Because of this amorphous liquid form, it has good fluidity, thermal conductivity, thermal stability and other properties. It has been used in many fields. It has been studied on the lubrication properties of liquid metal in foreign countries since the 20th century, but the research on the use of liquid metals as a lubricant in China is still in its infancy. The preparation process of liquid metals is introduced. From the three aspects of lubrication performances of liquid metals, lubrication mechanisms of liquid metals and working performances of liquid metals bearings, the research status of liquid metal used as lubricant is summarized, and the direction of the research and the problems and technologies to be solved in the future using liquid metal as a lubricant in China is proposed.

Key words: liquid metals, lubrication, working performance, friction, wear, prospect

CLC Number:

TH117

XU Mingyu, CHEN Wei. Research Progress and Prospect of Liquid Metals Used as Lubricants[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2020, 56(9): 137-146.

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