Experimental analysis of tribological properties of ultrasonically dispersed garnet nanoparticles in SN500 grade lubricating oil

Abstract

Purpose

The optimal performance of the machinery is based on lubricants that require frequent monitoring and the analysis of characteristics such as chemical content, contamination and viscosity. The application of nanoparticles dispersed lubricant in tribology has received remarkable attention in recent years. This paper aims to investigate the tribological properties of SN500 grade lubricating oil containing garnet nanoparticles.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, 45-nm-sized garnet particles are ultrasonically dispersed in SN500 grade base lubricant oil. The effects of viscosity and additive concentration on tribological properties are investigated using a four-ball tester.

Findings

Rolling, reinforcing and film-forming behaviour of dispersed nano-sized garnet additives in the rubbing zone were investigated using scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results indicate that the garnet additives can improve the wear resistance and resistance to relative motion and decrease the friction coefficient of rubbing steel interface by surface polishing and formation of tribo-film containing Si, C and Mn.

Originality/value

Because of the complex two-phase solid–liquid mixture, there are still limited physical understandings of the friction and wear reduction mechanisms. Therefore, the present research was undertaken to interpret the possible phenomena.

Citation

R., M. and J., S. (2018), "Experimental analysis of tribological properties of ultrasonically dispersed garnet nanoparticles in SN500 grade lubricating oil", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 70 No. 2, pp. 250-255. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-02-2016-0034