Tribological effects of oxide based nanoparticles in lubricating oils

Abstract

In order to enhance the tribological properties of lubricating oil, suitable surfactants such as Tween-20, Tween-60, Span-20 and Sodium sodecylbenzenesulfonate were selected and lubricating oils containing CeO₂ and TiO₂ nanoparticles were prepared. The morphology and size of CeO₂ and TiO₂ nanoparticles were examined with a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The tribological properties of the oils were tested using an MRS-1J four-ball tribotester. The research results show that when the proportion by weight of CeO₂ nanoparticles to TiO₂ nanoparticles is 1:3, and the total weight fraction is 0.6%, the lubricating oil has optimal anti-wear and friction reducing properties. The addition of CeO₂ nanoparticles reduces the required amount of TiO₂ nanoparticles.

Keywords

nanoparticles / surfactants / lubricating oil / tribological properties