Synthesis and Simulation of CaF2@Al(OH)3 Core-Shell Coated Solid Lubricant Composite Powder.

In self-lubricating ceramic tools, adding CaF₂ will significantly reduce the mechanical properties of ceramic tools. Based on heterogeneous nucleation theory, we have recently prepared aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) coating on calcium fluoride (CaF₂) through a liquid-phase heterogeneous nucleation method. By adding CaF₂@Al(OH)₃ coated powder to replace CaF₂ powder, the self-lubricating ceramic tools maintain higher lubricity while also having better mechanical properties. The coating process was further confirmed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, we used the molecular simulation software to simulate the suspension system of CaF₂, Al(NO₃)₃·9H₂O, and Al(OH)₃ to study the process of Al(OH)₃ coating on the surface of CaF₂ particle to form CaF₂@Al(OH)₃ powders with core-shell structure. Further, the formation and evolution of Al(OH)₃ molecules on the surface of CaF₂ were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]