Abstract
Based on the response surface methodology, a rheological and tribological study carried out on eco-friendly lubricants is described. Such ecolubricants consisted of fibrillated or crystalline nanocellulose in vegetable oil (castor oil, high oleic sunflower oil or their mixtures). Cellulose nanoparticles showed noticeable friction-reducing and anti-wear properties within the boundary and mixed lubrication regimes, which were found to be dependent on nanocellulose concentration, base oil composition and applied normal force. In general, both types of nanocellulose performed equally well. An excellent tribological performance, with large wear scar diameter reductions, was achieved with 3.3 wt.% (or higher) nanocellulose dispersions in castor oil-rich mixtures. The observed behavior was explained on the basis of enhanced viscosity of castor oil-rich suspensions and the preferential action of the most polar components, nanocellulose and ricinoleic acid, in the vicinity of the contact surfaces.
Highlights
Lubricants are substances that help to reduce friction and wear between two surfaces in contact with a relative motion
Vegetable oils have a lower volatility and are less toxic for the environment than mineral and synthetic oils. Some vegetable oils, such as castor oil (CO) and high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO), may have potential to be used as bases for lubricant formulations
In the present research work, we explored the use of cellulose nanoparticles as a green additive in the formulation of fully biodegradable vegetable-based lubricating oils
Summary
Lubricants are substances that help to reduce friction and wear between two surfaces in contact with a relative motion. Nanoparticles’ action mechanisms in lubricity, which very much depend on their morphology, have resulted in great improvements as far as friction-improving and wear-reducing properties are concerned [2,3,4,5,6] These mechanisms include physical protection by forming tribofilms in contact surfaces, as well as rolling, mending and polishing effects [7,8,9]. Vegetable oils have a lower volatility and are less toxic for the environment than mineral and synthetic oils Some vegetable oils, such as castor oil (CO) and high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO), may have potential to be used as bases for lubricant formulations. In turn, has low volatility and better thermal resistance than other vegetable oils, being a priori another suitable candidate as feedstock for lubricant formulations [19]
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