Almost a quarter of global energy consumption is attributed to friction losses alone. Improved lubricant solutions, for example for technical plastic components, could significantly reduce this energy consumption. Dr. Alexandra Latnikova from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP in Potsdam Science Park and Moritz Grünewald from SKZ - Das Kunststoff-Zentrum in Würzburg have developed lubricant-filled microcapsules that can be incorporated into plastics at high temperatures. This results in self-lubricating composite materials that are particularly durable.
Less wear on plastic-steel pairings
The products developed in their research project entitled "Tribologically effective pseudosolids for mechanical and thermally highly stressed thermoplastic components" enable a reduction in wear of up to 85 percent, for example in plastic-steel pairings.
High potential of microencapsulation
The principle of microencapsulation has very high potential for numerous other applications, such as for so-called self-healing components or materials. According to the researchers, these lubricant microcapsules can be incorporated into technical plastics at temperatures of up to 260 degrees. This would even make it possible to replace metal components.