Tribological properties enhancement through organic carbon nanotubes as nanoparticle additives in boundary lubrication conditions

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of inclusion of formulated organic nanoparticles of Eichhornia crassipes carbon nanotubes (EC-CNTs) in two different base lubricant (rapeseed and mineral oils) as lubricant additives. The use of inorganic ZDDP anti-wear additive was employed for comparison. The Raman analysis conducted on EC-CNT indicated good characteristics of carbon nanotube. Smoother operation from EC-CNT with tribo-film formation on the metal surface, seems responsible for the friction and wear reduction. High reduction in friction and wear was recorded with rapeseed oil than mineral oil at low conditions due to sufficient triacyl-glycerol molecule found in rapeseed oil with better chemical reaction towards film formation. However, when compared with ZDDP, shows good behavior towards tribological enhancement, though the result with ZDDP found better than EC-CNT both in friction and wear reduction. More patronage and modifications on bio-material products as additives, environmental catastrophe caused by non-biodegradable and toxic inorganic products will be mitigated.