Tribological performance of avocado oil containing copper nanoparticles in mixed and boundary lubrication regime

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to study the tribological performance of Cu nanoparticles mixed in avocado oil.Design/methodology/approachA Pin-on-Disc tribometer was used to determine the tribological performance of avocado oil as a lubricant as well as for measuring the effectiveness of Cu nanoparticles. Stribeck curve was generated with the base oil and the oil containing Cu nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are added in 0.5 wt. % and 1 wt. % concentration. The worn-out surfaces of aluminum alloy 6061 pins are explored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).FindingsThe use of Cu nanoparticles led to a reduction in friction and wear. Coefficient of friction (COF) was found to be minimum at 1 wt. % concentration, whereas specific wear rate was minimum for 0.5 wt. % concentration. The film-formation capability of the Cu nanoparticles led to an overall improvement in the tribological properties of the base oil.Originality/valueExperiments are performed to evaluate the tribological performance of avocado oil using Cu nanoparticles. The results obtained herein suggest that avocado oil has a great potential to replace the conventional mineral oils in the field of industrial lubrication.