Tribological investigation of layered sodium silicate as lubricant additives prepared by freezing titration ion exchange

Two layered sodium silicate products were prepared using a new ion exchange method called the freezing titration ion exchange. The tribological properties of the ion exchange products as additives in mineral oil were evaluated using a four-ball tester. The products exhibited excellent friction behavior when used as additives in mineral oil. When 1   wt% was added, the tribological properties of the oils improved: the maximum non-seizure loads increased by over 27% and the wear scar diameter and friction coefficient decreased by over 50% and 25%, respectively. The friction and wear behaviors of the silicates were better than those of the typical lubricant additives .