Shape controlled synthesis and tribological properties of CeVO4 nanoparticles as lubricating additive

Shape controlled structure of CeVO4 nanocrystals were successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal method from Na3VO4 center dot 12H(2)O and Ce(NO3)(3)center dot 6H(2)O. The resulting products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy (SEM) and other techniques. On the basis of the experimental results, CeVO4 nanoparticles exhibited the crystal tetragonal structure and the pH value of solution had an important effect on the crystal structure and morphology of CeVO4 nanoparticles. Furthermore, the tribological properties of CeVO4 nanoparticles as additives in liquid paraffin were evaluated on a four-ball tester. The results indicated that the wear resistance was improved by the additive CeVO4 nanoparticles which exhibited very good antiwear and friction reduction performance in wear.