Polystyrene microcapsules containing linseed oil and SiC nanoparticles as a lubricant additive for boosting the self-healing and self-lubricating efficiency of epoxy coatings

Friction coefficients and specific wear rates of a multifunctional smart nanocomposite epoxy coating with embedded linseed oil-filled microcapsules and SiC nanoparticles were determined using six coatings synthesized with 15 wt.% microcapsules and 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt.% of SiC nanoparticles. In rotational pin-on-disk testing, all samples containing microcapsules and SiC nanoparticles exhibited reduced friction coefficients. The sample containing 3 wt.% SiC nanoparticles showed the highest decrease in coefficient of friction by 31.79% and a specific wear rate by 59.04% compared with the neat epoxy sample. The results are discussed concerning lubricating rollers, polishing operations of SiC nanoparticles, a solid/liquid lubricant film, and electron microscopy (FESEM/EDX) studies.