Excellent tribological and anti-corrosion performances enabled by novel hollow graphite carbon nanosphere with controlled release of corrosion inhibitor.

• Multifunctional lubricant additive GCN@M16 with corrosion resistance are obtained. • The porous hollow structure of GCN@M16 could effectively control the release of M16. • Excellent tribological properties were achieved via synergy effect of GCN and M16. • Protective films were formed by GCN@M16 via complex physicochemical reaction. This study deals with the preparation and analysis of a novel corrosion inhibitor-infused hollow porous graphite carbon nanosphere (GCN@M16) interposed with a corrosion inhibitor devised with a controlled release mechanism (M16), which was synthesized under ultrahigh carbonization temperature of about 2100 °C and via consequent organic corrosion inhibitor loading. A comprehensive analysis of the tribological and anti-corrosion properties of GCN@M16 was conducted pertaining to this nanosphere being employed as a lubricant additive in 500SN base oil. The as-prepared GCN (Graphitized Carbon Nanospheres) tend to be endowed with low friction coefficients attributable to the high graphitization of carbonaceous matter. The M16 loading not only enhances the dispersion level of GCN in 500SN base oil, but also empowers them as corrosion inhibitors by strengthening their corrosion resistance ability. Furthermore, the porous hollow structure of the novel GCN facilitates the effective regulation of the release of M16 loading, resulting in the prolonged service life of friction pairs. Subsequently, the mechanism of friction reduction and the anti-wear properties of GCN@M16 were deduced. GCN@M16 is capable of effectually forming a stable protective film over the contact surface via a complicated tribo-chemical reaction and physical mechanical deposition. Reflecting the synergistic effect produced by GCN and M16, the as-obtained GCN@M16 tends to exhibit excellent tribological performance, including high extreme pressure up to 950N, low friction coefficient of around 0.06, and fine anti-abrasion (94.3% reduction), and anti-corrosion properties. The results derived in this paper could prove highly beneficial and provide fundamental insights about the formation of lubricating films, as well as stimulate the industrial application of similar versatile lubricant additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]