The effect of MWCNTs/GNs hybrid addition on the tribological and rheological properties of lubricating engine oil

Abstract

Oils and grease have beneficial effects on moving parts such as connecting rod, gears, shafts, and engine to reduce wear and friction. The properties of lubricants such as tribological and rheological properties are an important role in oils and grease characterization. Nano additives on lubricant oils play an important role in anti-wear; reduce the coefficient of friction and enhance the rheological properties. The Tribological and rheological behavior of base oil 15W50 which have different concentrations of multi-wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 wt%), and constant amount of graphene nanosheets (GNSs) (0.5 wt%) were investigated. This research is the first one in studying the effect of hybrid nano additives of (MWCNTs) and (GNs) on the tribological and rheological properties of lubricant oils. Tribological characterization was carried out on four ball testing model under different loads (200, 400, 600, and 800 N). The kinematic viscosity, flash point, pour point, and thermal conductivity of nanofluid added 15W50 lubricant are estimated and compared with base oil. The results showed that nano additives improve the wear scar and coefficient of friction by 78% and 48%, respectively. The flash point, thermal conductivity, kinematic viscosity, and pour point, were improved by 15%, 77%, 76.8%, and 20%, respectively compared with the base oil. The hybrid addition of CNTs/GNs nanoparticles enhanced the properties of 15W50 engine oil.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Nanocomposites
• carbon nanotubes
• oil lubrication
• tribology
• viscosity