Soybean oil nano-additives of surface capped zinc oxide (ZnO) were studied for their tribological characteristics and adsorption behavior with respect to surface modifier and particle size structure. To study their adsorption behavior in soybean oil, researchers used a quartz crystal microbalance. A four-ball friction and wear tester were also used to assess their tribological qualities. The soybean oil contained four different kinds of ZnO nanoparticles as additives: ZnO nanoparticles that had been methylated (DNS-2, 14 nm and DNS-3, 5 nm), RNS-D, 5 nm, and RNS-E, epoxy-modified, 5 nm (5 nm). DNS-2 can reduce the size of the wear scar on the steel ball by forming a strong tribo-film on the surface during shear sintering, thanks to its bigger particles. A viscoelastic adsorption layer can be created on rubbed steel surfaces by utilizing smaller particle sizes of RNS-D, DNS-3, and RNS-E. Increased polarity of the modifiers enhances their friction-reduction capabilities, extreme pressure properties, and anti-wear capabilities. The RNS-E surface capped with the highest polar epoxy group has an equilibrium adsorption mass 16 times larger and an adsorption rate 34 times greater than the DNS-3 surface coated with methyl. Combining ZnO nanoparticles with highly polar organic species could enhance their tribological properties in soybean oil and boost their adsorption on rubbed metal surfaces.

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