Influence of the Nanoclay Concentration and Oil Viscosity on the Rheological and Tribological Properties of Nanoclay-Based Ecolubricants

Samuel D Fernández-Silva,Miguel A Delgado,Charlène Ruffel,Moisés García-Morales

doi:10.3390/lubricants9010008

Abstract

This manuscript describes a rheological and tribological study carried out on eco-friendly lubricants. These ecolubricants were made up of nanoclays as dispersed phase (a layered nanosilicate (montmorillonite Cloisite 15A) and a fiber-like nanoclay (sepiolite Pangel B20)) and vegetable-based oil as continuous phase (castor oil (CO), high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) and their mixtures). A series of nanoclay-based ecolubricants were prepared by varying both nanoclay concentration and base oil, and thus, its viscosity. Friction and wear behaviors were assessed by using a ball-on-three plates tribometer cell. The results showed that the fiber-like sepiolite Pangel B20 yielded an important reduction in the wear scar diameter, thus revealing its potential as anti-wear and load-carrying additive in ecolubricant formulations, while Cloisite 15A proved to have friction improving properties. These anti-wear and friction reducing properties were found to be influenced by both nanoclay concentration and oil viscosity.

Highlights

Lubricants are extended and important industrial products composed of 70–93% base stocks and 7–30% additives which are intended to improve some of the base oil’s properties or add new properties [1]
Lubricants are used in a great deal of fields and types of machinery in order to reduce friction and wear, facilitate the dissipation of heat released in the contact surfaces, and protect mating surfaces from the surrounding environment
This study looks into the effects provoked by the addition of two types of nanoclays, a layered nanosilicate (Closite 15A) and a fiber-like sepiolite (Pangel B20), on the rheological and tribological properties of vegetable-based ecolubricants

Summary

Introduction

Lubricants are extended and important industrial products composed of 70–93% base stocks (mineral, synthetic, or vegetable oil) and 7–30% additives which are intended to improve some of the base oil’s properties or add new properties [1]. Many improvements and developments took place in the lubricants field, such as improvements in the refining process of mineral oils, development of additives, and generation of synthetic lubricants, among others. The extended use of lubricants has provoked serious consequences to the environment because they pollute waterways, soils, and air [3]. Half of the used lubricants are piled up in the environment [1]. The global concern over the environmental pollution issue has led to a growing interest in the use of renewable resources in the fields of lubricants

Methods

Results

Conclusion