Tribological Properties of Water-lubricated Stern Bearing Composites Modified with Biomimetic Microcapsules

The severe abrasion wear of water-lubricated stern bearing usually occurs under the low-speed and heavy-duty working conditions. In order to reduce abrasion wear caused by undesirable lubrication, the water-lubricated stern bearing composites modified with biomimetic microcapsules were designed and its microstructure and the self-lubricated property of Lignum Vitae were investigated. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) composites were prepared by blending HDPE powder and biomimetic microcapsules sealing with base oil. The tribological properties of the materials modified with biomimetic microcapsules were investigated using a CBZ-1 tribo-meter under different running conditions. The wear mechanisms of composites were obtained by analyzing the wear properties and surface morphology parameters. The results show that the biomimetic microcapsules improved the tribological properties of composites. The best tribological property is obtained for composite when microcapsules are 3%. This study provides the experimental basis to structural design and performance enhancement of the water-lubricated bearings.