Dual nanoparticles effect on the frictional and vibrational dissipation behaviors of polymer-based water-lubricated bearing materials

Marine water-lubricated bearings have the advantages of environmental friendliness and long replacement cycle. However, when under the complex lubrication circumstance, the frictional and vibrational behaviors of water-lubricated bearing always dissipate the mechanical energy output from the ship's diesel engine. Aiming at this problem and combining with previous research findings, in this paper, ceramic balls with similar mechanical properties to ship's main shaft were selected as the friction counterpart to simulate the operating conditions of marine water-lubricated bearing. Meanwhile, dual nanoparticles of tungsten disulfide (WS 2 ) and titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) were used to modify ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) bearing material. The tribological and vibrational properties of the prepared composites were carefully investigated. The results showed that compared to pure UHMWPE, with the synergistic effect of 0.75 wt% WS 2 and 0.9 wt% TiO 2 , the frictional and vibrational behaviors of the composites were reduced by 43.3% and 42.7%. Mechanical testing and microscopic characterization revealed the enhancement mechanism of these nanoparticles on UHMWPE. This study proposed a design strategy on marine water-lubricated bearings for engineering application.