The Performance of SiO2 and TiO2 Nanoparticles as Lubricant Additives in Sunflower Oil

Abstract

In recent years, there has been growing concern regarding the use of petroleum-based lubricants. This concern has generated interest in readily biodegradable fluids such as vegetable oils. The present work evaluated the rheological and tribological characteristics of sunflower oil modified with silicon dioxide (SiO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles as lubricant additives at different concentrations. A parallel plate rheometer was used to evaluate the effects of concentration and shear rate on the shear viscosity, and the experimental data was compared with conventional models. The wear protection and friction characteristics of the oil-formulations were evaluated by conducting block-on-ring sliding tests. Surface analysis-based instruments, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and profilometry, were used to characterize the morphology and structure of the worn surfaces. The experimental results showed that the coefficient of friction decreased with the addition of SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles by 77.7% and 93.7%, respectively when compared to base sunflower oil. Furthermore, the volume loss was lowered by 74.1% and 70.1%, with the addition of SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles, respectively. Based on the experimental results, the authors conclude that modified sunflower oil enhanced with nanoparticles has the potential for use as a good biodegradable lubricant.

Tribological Performance of Environmentally Friendly Bio-Degradable Lubricants Based on a Combination of Boric Acid and Bio-Based Oils

“…One of the approaches to reducing friction in a boundary lubrication regime is the use of a dilute solution of saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic acid) in vegetable oils [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Cortes et al [ 23 ] evaluated the tribological characteristics of sunflower oil modified with titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide nanoparticles as lubricant additives. It was found that the rheological behavior of the sunflower-based lubricant is dependent on the type and concentration of nanoparticles.…”

Movement pattern of an ellipsoidal nanoparticle confined between solid surfaces: Theoretical model and molecular dynamics simulation

“…sin cos sin 1 sin π sin sin (11) Concerning the e/h expression of ellipsoidal nanoparticle in the lubrication system, e/h is related to γ, θ, αθ, and β (as displayed in the list of symbols) in parametric expression. In Fig.…”

“…Different types of nanoparticles, such as metal, metal oxide, metal carbonate, fullerenes, silica, and carbon compound, have been developed as solid lubricants and lubricant modifiers for friction modification and wear resistance [3,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. The tribological properties of metal nanoparticle additives (like Fe, Cu, Ni, and Co) in base lubricants indicate that they play a significant role in decreasing friction and wear by forming a tribo-layer [6][7][8][9].…”

“…The tribological properties of metal nanoparticle additives (like Fe, Cu, Ni, and Co) in base lubricants indicate that they play a significant role in decreasing friction and wear by forming a tribo-layer [6][7][8][9]. Metal oxide nanoparticles, such as CuO, ZrO 2 , and ZnO, exhibit good friction and wear-reducing performance owing to the tribo-sintering process [10][11][12]. For example, it was considered that the deposition of CuO nanoparticles on a worn surface decreases the shearing stress and thus improves the tribological properties [13].…”

Moringa and Graphite as Additives to Conventional Petroleum-Based Lubricants

“…Conventional lubricants are composed of base oil and additives conferring specific properties to the lubricant. Friction reduction additives are used to ensure the lubricating properties in the friction boundary regime [1][2][3][4][5]. Other additives act on the oiliness of the lubricant [6][7][8][9].…”