Anticorrosion and lubricating properties of an aqueous graphene-based nanofluid

The production of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) by liquid phase exfoliation in an aqueous solution has furnished a graphene-based nanofluid, so-called graphenofluid, with anticorrosion and lubricating properties of high performance. This enhancement is the consequence of a new process of exfoliation through an hydrodynamic cavitating 'lab on a chip'. Corrosion rates below 10 mu m/year were measured on stainless steel, copper, brass and tin samples. These anticorrosion properties are the consequences of the presence of sodium cholate, that is used as a surfactant. Lubricating properties are the consequences of the presence of few layer GNP and are enhanced when the graphenofluid is used onto rough surfaces. A coefficient of friction below 0.1 was recorded onto rough surfaces under moderate loads of 5 N. This low level of friction was also recorded onto smooth plates submitted to higher loads of 200 N. Such a graphenofluid exhibits the advantages of a ecofriendly water-based lubricant with a low coefficient of friction but without prohibitive corrosive effects.