A note on the tribological behavior of smooth silica interfaces in the presence of a viscous fluid

We examined experimentally the tribological behavior of smooth silica particles interacting with a polymer-based viscous fluid, which was used as a stabilizing agent. The results demonstrated enhanced frictional resistance of the silica interfaces when immersed into the polymer, however, this trend was observed for relatively lower shearing velocities, implying potential rate effects. Thus, examination and modeling of larger-scale problems involving particles and viscous fluids should take into account rate effects to provide inferences on potential stabilization. Additional inferences were provided on the tribological behavior of interfaces and the role of surface textural and elastic characteristics by synthesizing literature data.