Enabling ultra-low wear and long-lived lubrication by DLC–supramolecular gel composite lubrication system under extreme contact stress

This manuscript developed a novel DLC–supramolecular gel (HTG) composite lubrication system to achieve long-life outstanding lubrication under extreme contact stress while avoiding sealing challenges relying on the unique thixotropic properties of the gel. DLC–HTG exhibited ultra-low wear and excellent friction reduction performance under a maximum contact stress of 2.24 GPa. DLC films with designed double transition layers possess high interfacial bond strength and mechanical properties, providing the basis for high wear resistance. The establishment of a robust tribofilm and the confinment effect of HTG on wear debris dominate the achievement of ultra-low wear. This ultra-low wear sliding extends the service life of the lubrication system with the broad implications for mechanical engineering , transportation, and wind power generation .