Preparation and tribology properties of water-soluble fullerene derivative nanoball

AbstractWater-soluble fullerene derivatives were synthesized via radical polymerization. They are completely soluble in water, yielding a clear brown solution. The products were characterized by FTIR, UV–Vis, 1H-NMR, 13CNMR, GPC, TGA, and SEM. Four-ball tests show that the addition of a certain concentration of the fullerene derivatives to base stock (2wt.% triethanolamine aqueous solution) can effectively increase both the load-carrying capacity (PB value), and the resistance to wear. SEM observations confirm the additive results in a reduced diameter of the wear scar and decreased wear