Ionothermal Synthesis of Novel Layered Magnesium Phosphate and its Tribological Properties as Grease additives

A novel layered magnesium phosphate (MgP) was synthesised from a MgO-P2O5-choline chloride-oxalic acid dihydrate system using an ionothermal approach. Single crystal samples of MgP were obtained following introduction of diethylamine (DEA) to the reaction system. Its structure revealed that both the layer and the sheets contained Mg octahedra. Interestingly, adding the layered material to lithium grease resulted in superior lubrication with higher load-carrying, anti-wear and friction reduction capacities compared with the typical lubricant MoS2; the P-B value of base grease was increased from 353 to 1078 and 549 N, the wear scar diameter was decreased from 0.50 to 0.34 and 0.46 mm, and the friction coefficient was decreased from 0.082 to 0.056 and 0.075, respectively. We also discuss the lubrication mechanism of layered materials based on the crystal structure and resource endowment. The findings could assist the development of new high-efficiency solid lubricants.