Nano Metal Powder Fluidized Lubrication, Investigation for Friction Reduction

Abstract

As a lubricant, friction-reduction properties of base oil are enhanced by the addition of nanoparticles to a moderate concentration.Dispersing nanoparticles inside base oil, due to the base oil\'s high viscosity, is a very difficult work. The nanoparticles modified by oleic acid exhibited good dispersibility and stability in base oil. Base oil with nanoparticles increased tribological properties in terms of load carrying capacity, anti-wear and friction reduction that base oil without nanoparticles.

Introduction

Tribology—the science of interacting surfaces in relative motion, especially friction, wear, and lubrication—was first formally named in 1966 by Sir Jost. Though the term is new, interest in tribological principles dates back to ancient times, with early uses seen in tools and bearings. Tribology is critical for improving reliability, reducing maintenance, and enhancing performance in machinery ranging from spacecraft to household appliances.

Objectives of the study include analyzing the effects of CuO and Al?O? nanoparticles as additives in SN-500 base oil on friction and wear, determining optimal nanoparticle concentration, studying piston and cylinder materials to reduce friction, and testing specimens using a pin-on-disc tribometer.

Problem statement: Growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles in India, driven by economic growth and rising fuel prices, requires advancements in engine efficiency. Reducing friction and wear through tribological applications and improved lubricants is key to improving fuel economy and engine performance. Nanoparticles in lubricants are emerging as effective additives to enhance tribological properties.

Methodology: Comparative tribological tests were conducted on base oil SN-500 and the same oil with CuO and Al?O? nanoparticles at various concentrations, using a pin-on-disc tribometer under different loads and speeds.

Literature review: Previous research shows that nanoparticles like CuO, TiO?, Ni, CaCO?, and others added to lubricants significantly reduce friction and wear by depositing protective films on surfaces. Various experimental setups confirm improved load-carrying capacity and wear resistance due to nanoparticles.

Fundamentals of tribology:

• Friction is resistance to motion between surfaces; it can be dry, fluid, lubricated, skin, or internal friction.

• Wear is the undesired removal of material due to mechanical action and can be adhesive, abrasive, fatigue, or corrosive.

Engine performance improvements through ceramic coatings:
A product called Nano Energizer uses platinum-coated zirconium nanoparticles added to engine oil to form a ceramic coating on engine surfaces. This coating improves engine efficiency by reducing friction, wear, noise, oil burning, and pollution, ultimately enhancing power output and fuel economy. The coating bonds strongly with engine metal and withstands high temperatures.

Engine efficiency theory:
Based on Carnot cycle principles, engine efficiency depends on temperature differences inside the engine, with practical efficiency around 28.6% for gasoline engines.

Conclusion

As a lubricant, friction-reduction properties of base oil are enhanced by the addition of CuO & Al2O3 nanoparticles to a moderate concentration.Dispersing nanoparticles inside base oil, due to the base oil\'s high viscosity, is a very difficult work. The nanoparticles modified by oleic acid exhibited good dispersibility and stability in base oil.Base oil with CuO & Al2O3 nanoparticles increased tribological properties in terms of load carrying capacity, anti-wear and friction reduction than SN-500 base oil without nanoparticles. The results showed that 0.75wt% for CuO nano fluid & 0.5wt% for Al2O3 nano fluid concentration was an optimum concentration for wear. The wear in microns of SN-500 base oil without nanoparticles are 10.4 ?, 26.24 ? and 38.86 ? with respect to load conditions 10N, 30N and 50N respectively among all sets of test data. The anti-wear property at 0.5 wt. % Al2O3 concentration of the base oil sample drastically improved the wear reduction at 10N, 30N and 50N loading conditions and the values are 7.39?, 10.11 ? and 18.72? respectively. Similarly, anti-wear property at 0.75 wt. % CuO concentration of the base oil sample improved the wear reduction at 10N, 30N and 50N loading conditions and the values are 3.4?, 10.52 ? and 21.64? respectively. For the friction reduction test, when CuO nanoparticles were added into base oil, the coefficient of friction reduced by 38%, 44% and 51% at 1wt% concentration as compared to SN-500 base oil without nanoparticles. For the friction reduction test, when Al2O3 nanoparticles were added into base oil, the coefficient of friction reduced by 19%, 35% & 52% at 1wt% concentration as compared to SN-500 base oil without nanoparticles. The deposition of nanoparticles on the worn rubbing surface can decrease the shearing stress, and hence reduce friction and wear.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Mr. Balaji Shivaji Ujwankar, Dr. S. H. Sarje, Prof. S. R. Shinde, Prof. A. S. Lanje. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.