Tribological Improvement of Lubricants Using Silicone Rubber Powders in Hydrogen Compressors

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The development of eco-friendly alternative energy sources has become a global priority owing to the depletion of fossil fuels and an increase in environmental concerns. Hydrogen energy has emerged as a promising clean energy source, and hydrogen compressors play a crucial role in the storage and distribution of compressed hydrogen. However, harsh operating conditions lead to the rapid deterioration of conventional lubricants in hydrogen compressors, thereby necessitating the development of advanced lubrication technologies. This study introduces micrometer-sized silicone rubber powders as lubricant additives to enhance the lubrication performance of hydraulic oils in hydrogen compressors. We prepare silicone rubber powders by varying the ratio of the silicone rubber base to the curing agent and investigate their effects on interfacial properties, friction behavior, and wear characteristics. The findings reveal that the incorporation of silicone rubber powders positively influences the surface affinity, wettability, friction reduction, and wear resistance of the lubricants on the 304SS substrate. Moreover, we identify the optimal lubricant formulations, with a 15:1 ratio demonstrating the most effective friction reduction and a 5:1 ratio exhibiting the highest wear resistance. The controlled surface modification by the silicone rubber powder and the enhanced interfacial characteristics of the powder-containing lubricants synergistically contribute to the improved lubrication performance. These results indicate the potential of silicone rubber powder additives for the development of long-life lubrication solutions for hydrogen compressors and related applications, ultimately contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy technologies.

목차 (Table of Contents)

• Abstract
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Materials and Experiments
• 3. Results and Discussion
• 4. Conclusion
• References