Study on the Tribological Properties of Acid-Doped Polypyrrole (PPY) as Conductive Grease Additive

This study investigated the acid doping of polypyrrole (PPY) using as dopants three solutions: hydrochloric acid (HCl), dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA), and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (LB104). Four conductive lubricating greases were prepared with these dopants based on composite lithium-based grease (LCG). The research aimed to explore the physicochemical properties and tribological performance of conductive lubricating greases. Experimental results indicate that acid-doped PPY conductive lubricating greases exhibit lower resistivity and higher dropping points. Moreover, these lubricating greases can form stable boundary lubricating films, demonstrating excellent antifriction and antiwear properties. Among these, the additive with LB104-doped PPY shows superior antifriction and antiwear performance, as well as conductivity, suggesting broad prospects for application in the field of conductive lubrication.