Tribology Properties of the Aqueous Solution of Polyvinylpyrrolidone

Green, economical and safe water-based lubricant technology has always been the ultimate goal in tribological research. In the paper, the tribologial performance of aqueous solution containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) has been studied by using micro friction and wear tester and four-ball machine. The lubricating mechanisms of PVP in water solution were analyzed by SEM and EDS. When used as an additive in water, PVP showed lower friction. With the increase of concentration in water, friction-reducing performance was improved. This is mainly due to lubrication film formed by adsorption of the PVP molecule on the surface.