Effect of addition of copper nanoparticles on the tribological behavior of macadamia oil at different sliding speeds

Abstract

ABSTRACTEnvironment degradation and non-biodegradability are the major problems associated with mineral oil-based lubricants. Non-edible vegetable oils are one of the suitable substitutes for the mineral oils. In this study, macadamia oil was used as lubricant to check its feasibility for the tribological behavior. Copper nanoparticles are added to the macadamia oil on weight-percentage basis. The variation of Cu nanoparticles concentration with macadamia oil was evaluated for coefficient of friction and wear analysis. Minimum coefficient of friction and wear was observed at 0.3% concentration which gets further increased at 0.4% concentration. Kinematic and dynamic viscosity reduces with temperature and minimum value was observed at bare macadamia oil. The smooth surface of the pin was observed at 0.3% Cu nanoparticles concentration with comparison to bare macadamia oil.