Synergistic influences of laser surface texturing and ZrO2-MoDTC hybrid nanofluids for enhanced tribological performance

Abstract

This study uses nanofluids and laser surface texturing (LST) synergistically to enhance tribological performance. ZrO2-MoDTC hybrid nanoparticles of different concentrations were used as lubricant additives in base oil. Microtextured patterns of different shapes and sizes were designed and created on steel pin surface by laser ablation, and their tribological performances were assessed using a pin-on-disc tribometer. Appropriate circular dimple textured (DT) surfaces with 0.5 wt% ZrO2-MoDTC hybrid nanofluid produced outstanding friction reduction and anti-wear performance than cross-groove textured (GT) and untextured (UT) surfaces. The average friction coefficient of DT reduced by approximately 24–28% and 57–60% than GT and UT surfaces, respectively. Analysis of the worn surface showed that the synergetic influences of the nanofluid and LST produced excellent tribological performance.