The tribological enhancement of base lubricant under different concentration of formulated Eichhornia Crassipes carbon nanotubes (EC-CNTs) was conducted in this research. Cyclic heating approach was adopted in the formulation of EC-CNT and scientifically characterized. The characterization results confirmed the sample EC-CNTs. The effect of EC-CNT in base rapeseed oil terms of concentration, coefficient of friction (COF) and surface roughness (Ra), load carrying capacity, lubrication film stability and film mechanism were evaluated using high frequency reciprocating rig machine. The results showed that inclusion of EC-CNTs into base rapeseed oil, enhanced the tribological properties. The resultant values of COF were 0.064, 0.051 and 0.087 for rapeseed blended 1 mass%, 2.5 mass%, 4 mass% EC-CNT respectively. This is 38.5% COF reduction from 2.5 mass% EC-CNT against base oil. Under wear scar diameter, 2.5 mass% showed 47.9% reduction compared to base oil. The Ra was reduced with addition of nanoparticles, especially with 2.5 mass%. The tribological enhancement by EC-CNT is attributed from tribo-chemical reaction between the particles and the interfaces leading to formation of active protective tribo-film. The mechanism exhibited by the nanoparticles were healing and rolling from which the tribo-enhancement were achieved.

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Eichhornia crassipes (EC) is an aquatic plant with a massive growth rate. The massive growth nature made it a threat because of its negative effect to the aquatic organisms, economic activities and others. However, with the help of researchers and technology, the negative effect would be turn into economic potential, whereby the EC was being transformed fromproblematic concept to huge benefit towards sustainability of mankind. The EC was observed to be similar to fossil feedstock in terms of industrial usage but of less or no emission effect, thus considered eco-friendly. The present paper gives the insight of vital hidden opportunities from EC towards economy expansion. The EDX characterization apart from cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin indicate great potential of EC useful element, polymer, surfactant and carbonaceous strength. The EDX analysis indicated percentage values of carbon as 70.4% and 64.8% for carbon nanotubes and CMC polymer respectively. It shows good engineering properties both in mechanical strength and high young’s modulus due to the flexible hexagonal structure of the dominated carbon content. This makes it suitable in many engineering application including production of additives, electrical/electronic parts and development of microchips for telecommunication industry. With the help of nanotechnology, EC would be of high potential and predominant in the global market thereby reducing the dependent on the non -renewable material and the effect of fossil pollution will be reduced. Thus, the aqua-environment issue would be solved through steady utilization of the EC material.

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