US and Turkish-based companies have both announced nano technology that will help in the fight against friction for lubricants.
Arizona-based NanoMech used the 78th National Association of Lubricating Grease Manufacturer's AGM in California to launch its NanoGlide technology, claimed to be the world's first multi-component lubricant manufactured from nanoparticles.
The product will be used as an additive to help lower friction and extend lubricant life by as much 30%. The nanotechnology product was developed with help from a $1m grant from the US Department of Energy and prevents wear and friction at the mating surfaces of metals, known as boundary lubrication.
Meanwhile, an un-named Turkish company has revealed the production of nanodiamonds as Ultra Dispersed Diamond Powder (UDDP) on an industrial scale. The powder apparently creates a diamond tribofilm and has a ball bearing effect on the surfaces being lubricated.
The size of the diamond particles average seven nanometres but have large surface areas of between 250 and 450m2/g. Because of the qualities of diamonds, the nanopowder is extremely hard, chemically stable, corrosion and water resistant and conducts heat well.