Researchers have been studying the superior heat conductivity of nanofluids compared to base fluids for over two decades, but the difficulties of dispersion and stabilizing nanoparticles in lubricants have hampered their use in tribology. To investigate the tribological characteristics of nanofluids, aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles were dispersed in paraffinic mineral oil. Nanoparticles were dispersed evenly, due to the use of an ultrasonic homogenizer. Oil of olive improved the nanofluids’ dispersibility and stability because it acted as a surfactant. A universal micro-tribometer set up with a ball-on-disk setup was used to assess the frictional forces exerted by the nanofluids on the mechanical parts as they moved. A surface profiler was employed to analyze the wear track, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was utilized to investigate the substance formed on the sliding contact. The effects of surfactant type, surface roughness, sliding velocity, concentration of particle, applying load, and ultrasonication period on the frictional and wear performance of nanofluids were studied. It has been demonstrated that oil-based nanofluids containing Al₂O₃ nanoparticles can reduce friction and wear under certain conditions. The nanofluids’ dispersibility, stability, and friction were all improved by the addition of oleic acid (OA) as a dispersant.

PDF (Download Full text)

Download Citation (XML)