Tribological modification of hydrogenated nitrile rubber nanocomposites for water-lubricated bearing of ship stern shaft

A water-lubricated rubber bearing (WLRB) of ship stern shaft often operates under harsh conditions, which requires a higher tribological performance for bearing materials. Uniformly dispersed nano-fillers can significantly improve the various properties of rubber materials, but nano-fillers are prone to agglomerate in the process of operation, which affects the modification effect. In this paper, a solution blending masterbatch method was used to prepare hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) nanocomposites and the modification effects of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), nano graphite (NG) powder, nano molybdenum disulfide (NM) and graphite fluoride (GF) on HNBR basic formulation were studied. The results show that the tribological modification of HNBR by UHMWPE is better under low-speed conditions, while the tribological modification of HNBR by GF is better under high-speed conditions. Therefore, in practical engineering application, the reasonable nano fillers are selected for tribological modification according to the operating conditions of water lubricated rubber bearings. It should be pointed out that in order to cover all working conditions, multi nano filler synergistic tribological modification technology is an important technical way to obtain the best comprehensive performance results. • Hydrogenated nitrile rubber is used in water lubricated bearings to solve the problem of friction and wear. • The tribological properties modification of hydrogenated nitrile rubber was studied. • Solution blending masterbatch dispersion process is put forward. • The influence of different nano-fillers and ratios on friction and wear properties have been discussed.