Tribological study of sunflower TMP ester and silica nanoparticles additives for hydrodynamic journal bearing application under boundary lubrication condition

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to study the tribological performance of sunflower TMP ester and silica nanoparticles additives as a biolubricant alternative to the conventional lubricants for hydrodynamic journal bearing applications. Design/methodology/approach Nanolubricants were synthesized using an ultrasonicator and a homogenizer. A pin-on-disk tribometer was used to simulate the boundary lubrication condition for hydrodynamic journal bearing application in the presence of the studied lubricants. Surface analysis of the pin (bearing material) was done using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Findings The sunflower TMP ester performed well in terms of the coefficient of friction compared to commercial lubricants, but its wear performance was poor. The silica nanoparticles improved the wear and friction performance of the sunflower TMP ester. With the addition of 1% silica nanoparticles to sunflower TMP ester, the reduction in the coefficient of friction was 27.92% and the reduction in specific wear rate was 54.79%, making it the best lubricant out of all studied lubricants. Originality/value Although there are various available studies on vegetable oil-based lubricants for hydrodynamic journal bearing applications, the studies on the use of vegetable oil-based TMP esters for hydrodynamic journal bearing applications are limited. Also, the effect of silica nanoparticles on the tribological performance of TMP esters under boundary lubrication condition has not been studied extensively in the available literature.

Influence of Silicon Additives on Tribological and Rheological Test Results for Vegetable Lubricants

“…In the work of Adhvaryu et al [ 50 ], results were obtained showing that the use of montmorillonite in lubricants reduced the coefficient of friction and improved the viscosity–temperature properties. In the work of Hussein et al [ 51 ], the authors demonstrated that the use of nanosized silica significantly reduced the coefficient of friction and improved the rheological properties, including viscosity versus temperature and shear rate curves, flow curves and hysteresis areas of the lubricants tested. In the work of Nosov and Kamenskikh [ 106 ], the authors demonstrated an improvement in the tribological and rheological properties of vegetable greases under the influence of the addition of nanometric silica.…”

“…These publications mostly use tribological tests based on the four-ball method [ 29 , 45 , 46 ], tribological tests using a tribological attachment in a rotational rheometer [ 47 , 48 ] or a Falex tribotester using a ball–plate contact tester [ 49 ]. A ball-on-disk configuration [ 50 ] and a pin-on-disk tribometer have been used to simulate the boundary lubrication condition for hydrodynamic plain bearings [ 51 ].…”

Dry Sliding Wear Investigation of Hard Chrome and Nickel Coating on En19 for Rolling Application

“…The Ni based coating sprayed with HVOF gives enhanced oxidation resistance [18]. The investigation of tribological properties plays a crucial role in enhancing component lifespan, optimizing operating parameters, and preventing system failures for any given pair of materials [19]- [21].…”

Friction and Wear Characteristics of Fe3O4 Nano-Additive Lubricant in Micro-Rolling

“…Many research groups have mixed different kinds of nanoparticles with the base lubricant to research their effects on lubrication performance [1]. The classification of nanoparticles includes metals [2], metallic oxides [3][4][5], non-metallic oxides, sulphides, composites [6][7][8], fullerene and carbon materials [9]. At the beginning of this century, copper nanoparticles were employed as an additive for improving the tribological properties of lubricants.…”