Copper-Containing Nanomaterials Derived from Copper(II) Laurate as Antifriction Additives for Oil Lubricants

In the present study, an easily accessible method for obtaining copper-containing tribological nanomaterials by thermolysis of copper(II) laurate at 300 °C was developed. The obtained nanoparticles were studied using X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and sedimentation analysis. The composition of nanoparticles and the size of crystallites are shown to depend on the thermolysis time. The tribological characteristics of copper-containing nanomaterials derived from copper(II) laurate were analyzed as additives to liquid paraffin using a pin-on-disc tribometer (additive concentration 0.025–0.2%, normal loads 49 and 96 N, rotation speed 200 rpm). The optimal concentration of nanomaterials at which the coefficient of friction is the lowest is determined. An increase in load to 98 N leads to a decrease in the coefficient of friction. The mechanism of friction in the presence of the studied nanolubricants is discussed.