Surface Modification of β-MnO2 Nanorods as Nanolubricant

Abstract

Introduction: Nanolubricants are substances that use nanoparticles as lubricant additives. The proposal for wear reduction has piqued interest in nanolubricants. Particle agglomeration is the main drawback of using nanomaterials as lubricating oil additives, and creating novel nanolubricants is one of the most difficult challenges. Objective: Evaluation of the nano β-MnO2 nanorods as nanoadditives for enhancing lubricating oil characteristics. Methods: After producing β-MnO2 nanorods by a modified hydrothermal process, oleic acid was used to modify their surfaces. Next, the physical and tribological characteristics of lubricating oil before and after the addition of nanoadditives were assessed. Results: The physical parameters of lubricating oil, including flash point, pour point, thermal stability, antiwear ability, and viscosity, were all improved by varying concentrations of surface-modified MnO2 nanorods by rates 8.19%, 50%, 63.04%, 10.9%, 8.96% at 40ºC and 4.18% at 100ºC, respectively. The findings demonstrate that the shear strain is reduced and an anti-wear boundary coating is created as a result of the deposition of nanoparticles produced by tribochemical reaction products during the friction process. Conclusion: The development of a protective film using nanoadditives improves lubricant requirements, ushering in a revolution in the lubricant industry.