Perfluoropolyether (PFPE) oils pose challenges in their compatibility with nanoparticle lubrication additives due to their unique molecular structure, limiting their lubrication performance enhancement. To address this issue, we propose the development of nanoparticle composite supramolecular gel lubricants, aiming to maintain the dispersion stability of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) nanoparticles within PFPE lubricants. It was achieved by harnessing the self-assembled three-dimensional network structure of supramolecular gels to entrap MoS₂ nanoparticles. It was observed that MoS₂ nanoparticles tended to cluster and settle in PFPE oils. However, the MoS₂-composite PFPE supramolecular gel lubricant (gel@MoS₂) exhibited exceptional dispersion stability over an extended period. MoS₂ nanoparticles used as additives in PFPE-based supramolecular gel lubricants not only enhanced mechanical strength but also retained outstanding thixotropic properties. Additionally, nanoparticles improved extreme pressure performance, anti-friction capabilities and anti-wear properties of PFPE-based supramolecular gel lubricants under high loads of 300N. Furthermore, the lubrication mechanism of gel@MoS₂ composites was elucidated using focused ion beam-transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. During the friction process, the 3D networks of supramolecular gels, held together by weak interaction forces like H-bonds, halogen bonding, and van der Waals forces, were disrupted under continuous shear forces. Consequently, some of the MoS₂ nanoparticles and gelators migrated to the steel surface, forming a protective lubricating film. This research holds significant importance in prolonging the lifespan of equipment in critical sectors such as aerospace and aviation, where high-end lubrication is essential.

Hydrogels as one kind of soft materials with a typical three-dimensional (3D) hydrophilic network have been getting great attention in the field of biolubrication. However, traditional hydrogels commonly show poor tribology performance under high-load conditions because of their poor mechanical strength and toughness. Herein, pure chemical-crosslinking hydrogels mixed with different types of the micron-scale fibers can meet the requirements of strength and toughness for biolubrication materials, meanwhile the corresponding tribology performance improves significantly. In a typical case, three kinds of reinforcement matrix including needle-punched fibers, alginate fibers, and cottons are separately combined with Poly(n-vinyl pyrrolidone)-poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (PVP-PHEMA) hydrogels to prepare fibers reinforced composite hydrogels. The experimental results show that the mechanical properties of fibers reinforced composite hydrogels improve greatly comparable with pure PVP-PHEMA hydrogels. Among three kinds of fibers reinforced composite hydrogel, the as-prepared composite hydrogels reinforced with needle-punched fibers possess the best strength, modulus, and anti-tearing properties. Friction tests indicate that the fibers reinforced composite hydrogels demonstrate stable water-lubrication performance comparable with pure PVP-PHEMA hydrogels. Besides, the hydrogel-spunlace fiber samples show the best load-bearing and anti-wear capacities. The improved tribology performance of the composite hydrogels is highly related to mechanical property and the interaction between the fibers and hydrogel network. Finally, spunlace fibers reinforced hydrogel materials with high load-bearing and low friction properties are expected to be used as novel biomimetic lubrication materials.