In the relentless pursuit of efficiency and longevity in industrial machinery, the humble tire mold has emerged as a focal point for innovation. Researchers at Himile Mechanical Science and Technology (Shandong) Co., Ltd., led by CAO Aijun, have delved into the intricate world of tribological behavior, focusing on the interplay between copper-graphite self-lubricating materials and various surface treatments. Their findings, published in ‘Cailiao Baohu’ (Materials Protection), offer a glimpse into the future of tire mold technology and its potential to revolutionize the energy sector.
The study, conducted in collaboration with the Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Core Tire Mold Technology, aimed to simulate real-world friction conditions of tire active molds. The researchers developed custom test equipment to pair copper-graphite self-lubricating materials with three different surface treatments: laser quenching, Ni-P alloy, and QPQ (nitrogen-carbon-oxygen composite treatment technology). The goal was to identify the most durable and efficient combination, ultimately extending the service life of these critical components.
The results were striking. When paired with copper-graphite self-lubricating material, the friction coefficient curves of laser quenching and QPQ test blocks were notably stable, whereas the Ni-P alloy test block exhibited significant fluctuations. This stability is crucial for maintaining consistent performance in high-stress environments, such as those found in energy production and heavy machinery.
“Our findings indicate that the QPQ test block, when paired with copper-graphite self-lubricating material, showed the least wear and the longest service life,” said CAO Aijun, the lead author of the study. “This combination could significantly reduce maintenance costs and downtime in industrial applications.”
The research also shed light on the wear mechanisms at play. Laser quenching test blocks experienced abrasive wear, while QPQ test blocks remained largely intact, with only minor abrasive wear. In contrast, Ni-P alloy test blocks showed no surface damage but resulted in significant wear of the copper-graphite material due to adhesive wear. This insight is invaluable for engineers seeking to optimize the performance and longevity of their machinery.
The implications of this research extend far beyond the tire industry. In the energy sector, where machinery operates under extreme conditions, the ability to select the right friction pairings can lead to substantial cost savings and improved efficiency. For instance, in power plants and oil refineries, where downtime can result in millions of dollars in losses, the use of durable and efficient friction pairs could be a game-changer.
As the demand for sustainable and efficient energy solutions continues to grow, innovations in material science and tribology will play a pivotal role. The work by CAO Aijun and his team at Himile Mechanical Science and Technology (Shandong) Co., Ltd., published in ‘Cailiao Baohu’ (Materials Protection), paves the way for future developments in this field. By providing a comprehensive analysis of friction and wear mechanisms, their research offers a roadmap for engineers and scientists to create more resilient and efficient machinery, ultimately driving progress in the energy sector and beyond.
