Experimental study of Carbon Nanotubes to enhance Tribological Characteristics of Lubricating Engine Oil SAE10W40

Abstract

Wear and friction had always been key factors in the functioning of advanced machines. Machine components containing high-performance oil cannot withstand increasing temperatures and intense pressures; therefore, additives improve different lubricants’ parameters and performances. Lubricating oil is the only element that can minimize wear and friction while simultaneously protecting materials from wear. The relative movement between two surfaces is impossible without a lubricant. As a result, for a more complex machine, stern lubrication is necessary. Nanomaterials play a vital role and have tendency to improve tribological properties. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are most popular due to numerous applications in different fields on account of their excellent chemical, electrical, thermal, mechanical, and optical properties. This study aims to research the tribological activity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with a four-ball tribotester. Furthermore, SWCNTs and MWCNTs as an additives in SAE10W40 motor oil were also tested to evaluate its tribological characteristics. In compared to industrial engine oil without SWCNT and MWCNT, using MWCNTs as additives in the engine oil reduced the worn scar diameter by 67 percent, while utilising SWCNTs as an addition reduced the worn scar diameter by 38 percent. The average friction coefficient with MWCNTs is decreased by 56%, and with SWCNTs is decreased by 48%; this may be due to the effect of viscosity. The provided experimental result conveys that the lubricating oil with multiwall carbon nanotubes exhibit higher performance in anti-wear and decrease friction reduction compared with single-walled carbon nanotubes.