Facile synthesis of graphene, graphene derivatives and abrasive nanoparticles and their various uses, including as tribologically-beneficial lubricant additives
AssigneePeerless Worldwide, LLC
InventorRichard S. Shankman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods of ex situ synthesis of graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, other graphene derivative structures and nanoparticles useful as polishing agents are disclosed. Compositions and methods for polishing, hardening, protecting, adding longevity to, and lubricating moving and stationary parts in devices and systems, including, but not limited to, engines, turbos, turbines, tracks, races, wheels, bearings, gear systems, armor, heat shields, and other physical and mechanical systems employing machined interacting hard surfaces through the use of nano-polishing agents formed in situ from lubricating compositions and, in some cases, ex situ and their various uses are also disclosed.
Claims25
A lubricating composition for a mechanical system comprising:
- a base lubricant;
- and
- at least one carbon-containing additive that forms a tribologically effective amount of at least one graphitic carbon-containing structure when the lubricating composition is exposed to heat sufficient to create locally pyrolitic conditions within a mechanical system in which it is utilized,
- wherein the graphitic carbon-containing structure comprises one or more surface-graphitized abrasive nanoparticles comprising at least one non-carbon hetero-atom enveloped by an outer shell comprising substantially carbon,
- wherein the graphitic carbon-containing structure comprises a nano-polishing agent configured to remove substantially all of the asperities from an internal friction surface of the mechanical system,
- wherein the carbon-containing additive comprises a cyclic molecule.
A method of manufacturing a lubricating composition for a mechanical system comprising:
- a) refluxing a reaction mixture comprising at least one solvent and at least one carbonaceous material promoting polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon formation under conditions that inhibit complete combustion of the carbonaceous material;
- b) thereafter collecting vapors produced by the reflux of the reaction mixture;
- c) directing the vapors to a substrate, whereupon graphene is deposited on the surface of the substrate;
- d) recovering graphene from the surface of the substrate;
- and
- e) combining at least some of the recovered graphene with a base lubricant to form a lubricating composition for a mechanical system.
A method of manufacturing a lubricating composition for a mechanical system comprising:
- a) refluxing a reaction mixture comprising at least one solvent, at least one oxidizer and at least one compound promoting polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon formation under conditions to prevent the complete combustion of the carbon source into carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide;
- b) thereafter collecting a vapor stream produced by the reflux of the reaction mixture;
- c) thereafter directing the vapor stream to a substrate, whereupon graphene oxide is deposited on the surface of the substrate;
- d) recovering graphene oxide from the surface of the substrate;
- and
- e) combining at least some of the recovered graphene oxide with a base lubricant to form a lubricating composition for a mechanical system.
A lubricating composition for a mechanical system comprising:
- a base lubricant;
- and one or more surface-graphitized abrasive spheroid nanoparticles comprising at least one non-carbon hetero-atom enveloped by an outer shell comprising substantially carbon.
A method of lubricating a mechanical system comprising at least one internal friction surface having asperities, the method comprising:
- operating the mechanical system with a lubricating composition comprising a nano-polishing agent and removing substantially all of the asperities from an internal friction surface of the mechanical system, wherein the lubricating composition comprises a base lubricant and at least one carbon-containing additive that forms at least one nano-polishing agent when the lubricating composition is exposed to locally pyrolitic conditions within the mechanical system in which it is utilized,
- wherein the nano-polishing agent comprises one or more surface-graphitized abrasive nanoparticles comprising at least one non-carbon hetero-atom enveloped by an outer shell comprising substantially carbon,
- wherein the carbon containing additive comprises a cyclic molecule.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.