Effects of Nano-Lubricants on Power and CO Emission of a Diesel Engine: An Experimental Investigation

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of copper (II) oxide (CuO), copper zinc iron oxide (CuZnFe2O4) and copper iron oxide (CuFe2O4) nanoparticle additives in synthetic diesel engine oil (5W-40) at the fraction of 0.08 wt% on friction and wear in piston ring-cylinder liner mechanism of the engine. In this regard, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analyses of the nanoparticles were first carried out and via a linear reciprocating tribometer, friction coefficients were determined on specimens comprised of the same material with real engine piston ring. Subsequently, SEM analyses of the samples exposed to abrasion were carried out to investigate the wear characteristics. In the second stage of the experimental study, oil sump of the diesel test engine was filled with raw oil (oil without nano additives) and prepared nano oils (oil+nano additives) separately to unravel the effects of the lubricants on engine power and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. According to the results, it was determined that CuZnFe2O4 nano lubricant was the most pronounced of all in terms of tribological performance, engine power and CO emissions. The results depicted that, in the best case, an average increment of 15% in engine power and an average reduction of 18% in CO emissions with CuZnFe2O4 nano oil were provided compared to that of the raw oil.