Vodno mazani visokozmogljivi polimeri

Polymer-composites are indispensable tribo-materials in a wide range of engineering applications, including gears, bearings, joint implants, and automotive components. In many of these applications the presence of liquid lubricant is unavoidable, requiring a thorough understanding of composite behaviour under lubricated conditions. However, with growing emphasis on environmental safety, the use of petroleum oil-based lubricants, especially near aqueous environments, such as ships, pumps and turbines, has become increasingly dubious. Estimates suggest that of the 30–40 million tonnes of lubricant used annually, around 55% may eventually re-enter the environment, with approximately 95% of these being petroleum-based. These systems contribute to emissions and resource depletion, driving interest in the development of lubricant technologies free from petroleum-derived products. Some potential replacements to them are acceptable alternate lubricants like esters and glycerol, or mere water, which is abundantly available and emission free. The tribological performance of polymer composites often differs between dry and lubricated conditions, as contribution from polymer and fillers are observed to vary across environments. While numerous studies have explored the role of various fillers in water lubricated conditions, limited knowledge is available on other alternate lubricants. More recently, the focus on polymer-composite side has shifted towards multi-filler systems, which, when working synergistically, can provide superior performance compared to having a single filler. However, the existing literature lacks clarity on several key aspects: including the individual roles of filler material and scale