Dispersion Of Graphene Nanoplatelets Research Articles

Thermal, mechanical, thermo‐mechanical and morphological properties of graphene nanoplatelets reinforced green epoxy nanocomposites

AbstractThe efficient inclusion of GNPs (graphene nanoplatelets) as an effective nano‐fillers for green polymer matrices produced with 28% of carbon originating from biomass tends to significantly improve mechanical and thermal properties. In the present work, green epoxy nanocomposites with low loading of (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5) wt% of the GNPs were made using a solution blending technique using acetone as the solvent. In mechanical stirring, the ultrasonic bath was used to ensure the efficient dispersion of GNPs within green epoxy. The resulting nanocomposites were comprehensively characterized and compared to unfilled green epoxy. Different tools were used to appraise morphological, thermal, thermo‐mechanical, and mechanical behavior. The results confirmed through FE‐SEM showed an optimal dispersion of GNPs with nanocomposites. The thermal degradation temperature (Td) of GNPs curve with 0.25 wt% loading was shifted toward higher temperature (from 336°C to 342°C) due to low percentage of loading of GNPs which showed an enhance thermal stability of polymer matrix with 0.25 wt% loading. The mechanical results were also in lined with previously published literature, in the tensile test 6.45% and hardness 13.3% increment was achieved. Overall, the results underscored significant improvements in green nanocomposite performance with low wt% of GNPs.Highlights The study focuses on development and characterization of green epoxy nanocomposites, which utilize environmentally friendly materials as a matrix, highlighting the significance of sustainability. The study explores effects of low loading of GNPs in green epoxy nanocomposites. The results demonstrate significant improvements in mechanical and thermal properties with optimized presence of GNPs. This investigation provides insights into optimal amount of GNPs required to achieve improved properties. Research evaluates multifaceted analysis provides a holistic understanding of performance enhancements achieved through inclusion of GNPs.

Co-cured GNP films with liquid thermoplastic/glass fiber composites for superior EMI shielding and impact properties for space applications

In this study, we explored the potential of manufacturing high concentration Graphene Nano-Platelet (GNP) films using liquid thermoplastic Elium® resin. A novel approach was adopted to co-cure manufactured GNP films with glass fiber reinforced Elium® composites to achieve superior electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and impact properties. The flexible GNP films were prepared using different concentrations (2 and 5 wt%) of GNPs mixed within the Elium® resin. The glass fiber/Elium® composites were prepared by infusing the liquid thermoplastic resin and simultaneously co-curing the manufactured GNP films on a heated resin infusion tool surface. The GNP films were placed at different locations within the composite i.e., as an outer layer for EMI shielding and within the laminate for impact performance. After resin infusion, the impact test specimens were hot pressed above the glass transition temperature of the Elium® resin for better dispersion of GNPs within the composite. The manufactured composites exhibited excellent EMI shielding effectiveness of more than 32 dB and impact energy absorption, strength, and stiffness increase in the order of 105 %, 48 %, and 45 % respectively, when compared with pristine Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites (GFRPCs). The results reveal the remarkable potential of the proposed manufacturing technique to achieve superior and tailorable EMI shielding and impact performance of GFRPCs without issues of agglomeration of GNP particles at high concentrations for different space-related applications.

The synergistic effects of micro-and nano-fillers on the properties of polyamide 11/poly (lactic acid) blend

This study focused on investigating the effects of micro-scale carbon fibers (CF) and nano-scale graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) on the morphological, rheological, mechanical, thermo-mechanical and thermal properties of polyamide 11/poly (lactic acid) (PA11/PLA) blend. A twin-screw extruder and an injection molding machine were utilized to produce the samples. The amount of GNPs was varied up to 5 wt% for a fixed CF fraction of 20 wt%, and the composites were characterized. SEM micrographs of hybrid composites revealed stronger interfacial interactions between the matrix and CF and improved dispersion of GNPs. The pseudo solid-like behavior transition and high modulus detected in the rheological study with the addition of GNP confirmed the strong matrix-filler interactions in hybrid composites. The synergistic effects of multi-scale fillers have been observed in mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties. In comparison to 20CF, hybrid composites’ tensile strength and modulus increased by 8%–4.8% and 4.5%–17%, respectively, by adding 0.5–5 wt% GNP. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the tan δ peak shifted to higher temperatures in low GNP containing hybrid composites, indicating an increase in Tg. Also, differential scanning calorimetry confirmed the Tg increment and synergistic effect of fillers on crystallization. The thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that hybrid composites exhibited enhanced thermal stability. As a consequence, these hybrid composites offer an inventive viewpoint for environmentally friendly composites in the automobile industry thanks to their enhanced mechanical and thermal characteristics.

3D-Printed Clay Enhanced with Graphene Nanoplatelets for Sustainable and Green Construction

This paper presents a study on the effects of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the mechanical behavior of 3D-printed burnt clay, the most sustainable and green construction material, under constant printing parameters. Mixes with different nanofilament contents—0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% by clay weight—were printed and tested under compression and bending loadings. The results obtained on the printed samples were compared with those fabricated using the molding method. The samples’ microstructures were then analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis was employed to obtain the elemental distributions. The testing results were then statistically analyzed using a t-statistical method to investigate the impact of using GNPs on the properties of 3D-printed clay. Strength test results showed that mixes containing a low GNP content, i.e., 0.1 wt.%, attained higher compressive and flexural strengths than those containing higher contents, i.e., 0.2 and 0.3wt.%. The results additionally highlighted that the efficiency of GNPs was better observed in the printed samples rather than the molded ones, indicating that the printing process contributed to a better and more uniform dispersion of GNPs in the clay matrix. The t-statistical analysis confirmed that a significant improvement in compressive strength could be obtained using a GNP content of 0.1 wt.%, regardless of the fabrication method. On the other hand, significant flexural strength improvements were observed in the printed samples at all GNP dosages. Micrographs of GNP-modified clay supported the strength results obtained in this study. In summary, this research work signified the importance of using nanofilaments in 3D printing applications in order to achieve the desired elements’ mechanical properties.

Fresh and hardened performance of concrete enhanced with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs)

This paper presents an investigation into the fresh and hardened properties of concrete enhanced with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). GNP dispersions were prepared using wet dispersion techniques and the influence of various factors on dispersion quality, such as mixing/dispersion methods, sonication time/intensity and GNP concentrations were evaluated. Sedimentation photos and zeta potential analysis were used to assesses the stability of GNP dispersions and determine optimal dispersion conditions for incorporation of GNPs into the concrete specimens. Further, advanced X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to determine the crystallographic structure of GNPs and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed information about the external morphology (texture), composition and the orientation of the nano materials. Various GNP concentrations were explored including: 0.0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.3 and 0.35 wt % and their effects on workability, apparent density, compressive strength and flexural strength were evaluated. The results suggested that the optimal concentration of GNP was 0.25 wt% which increased compressive and flexural strength of concrete by up to 20.7% and 8.8%, respectively. However, the addition of 0.25 wt% GNPs decreased workability by more than 50% compared to control specimens. Further, apparent density of concrete specimens was not affected by adding GNPs.

Impact of GNP content on cure behaviors and diverse properties of epoxy composites modified with graphene nanoplatelets: A comprehensive study

Nanocomposites modified with graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) have garnered significant attention and widespread application across various domains due to their substantial property enhancements. Nevertheless, excessive GNP incorporation not only leads to agglomeration within the polymer matrix but also degrades the base polymer's performance. Consequently, an investigation into the impact of GNP content on nanocomposite performance holds considerable significance. This study involves the dispersion of GNP with varying weight percentages into epoxy resin (EP) via ultrasonic dispersion to synthesize nanocomposites. The isothermal viscose-time properties were investigated to clarify the effect of the GNP on the curing speed and to suggest a suitable operating time for industrial production. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to investigate the curing kinetics so as to calculate the kinetic parameters and guide the curing process in practical industrial applications. In addition, mechanical properties and microstructure morphologies were analyzed by the direct tensile tests and scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests. Results showed that the addition of GNP in appropriate amounts is effective in promoting the curing reaction and improving the mechanical behavior. Specifically, GNP content was positively correlated with the increase of viscosity during the curing of the system. The EP@GNP-2 blend with 2 wt% GNP had the most significant effect on reducing the apparent activation energy, indicating that too much GNP may have an inhibitory effect on the curing reaction. The curing process parameters, including the gelling temperature (Tgel), curing temperature (Tcure) and post-treatment temperature (Ttreat) were calculated through the T-β extrapolation method. The elastic modulus of EP@GNP-1, EP@GNP-2 and EP@GNP-3 specimens increased by about 5%, 18% and 25%, respectively. However, the elongation at break showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing with the increase of GNP content. SEM tests show that excessive GNP content will attribute to the formation of a long barrier-like structure in the epoxy matrix to block the cross-linking of epoxy molecules on both sides, and the GNP agglomerates become stress concentration points and aggravate the brittleness of the nanocomposite. Furthermore, although a clear negative correlation between GNP content and thermal stability was revealed, the incorporation of GNP significantly enhances electrical conductivity. The results suggest that a reasonable GNP content is necessary, and a GNP content of 2 wt% is a recommended value for improving mechanics and curing efficiency.

Performance evaluation of structurally modified wellbore cement with graphene nanoplatelets undergone thermal cyclic loading

Geothermal energy is identified as one of the alternatives to fossil fuels in global climate crisis and the effective efforts for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The potential of geothermal heat at high temperatures is yet to be unlatched thus requiring a novel approach in all aspects of wellbore technology including cementing. Understanding the characteristics of the geothermal system is critical as we aim to develop wellbore materials for these thermally and chemically challenged wells. Materials used require stability at high temperatures and chemical resilience in contact with geofluids, where ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is deteriorating due to low pH that leads to loss in overall mechanical strength. Recent studies have shown that adding graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) to OPC based materials can improve properties and reduce risks from mechanical failures. GNP effect on overall cement properties has been studied and experimental results show promising outcomes at very low concentrations (<1% bwoc), significantly impacting strength and stiffness of the cement. The Class-H cement is hydrated with and without, liquid and powdered GNP at 0.008% and 0.1% concentrations each and cured in approximately pH 13 Ca(OH)2 solution to examine the influence of GNP on cement hydration. All the samples were subjected to cyclic temperature loading between 20 °C and 110 °C at 95% RH following an 8-hour cycle for 7 and 28 days in an environmental chamber. These temperature cycles help us evaluate close to the subsurface conditions where enhanced geothermal systems undergo thermal changes over tens of thousands of times during a lifetime of a well. Following API RP-10B specifications, GNP in the powdered form (PG) prepared from environmental waste and a 99.5% carbon purity lab grade liquid dispersion GNP (LG) were used. 0% GNP (neat) control, 0.008%, 0.1% of PG and LG mix design cement samples were prepared. Results show that 0.1%LG samples hydrated for 28 days had greater dispersion of GNP with a notable increase in the ductile behavior out of all the designs tested. There is a 13.21% decrease in permeability, 27.77% decrease in hardness and 50.71% decrease in elastic modulus when compared to neat sample hydrated for 28 days thus proving its effectiveness for wellbore integrity with increase in hydration time.

Non‐covalent interactions between ionic liquid and graphene nanoplatelets as a tool to fine tune the properties of styrene butadiene rubber nanocomposites

AbstractAchieving a robust interfacial interaction between the filler and polymer matrix is crucial for the production of polymer nanocomposites with superior performance. 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium bromide (BMIB) was used to fine‐tune the surface properties of graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) in the preparation of ionic liquid (IL)‐functionalized styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites. The combined results of Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction (XRD), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed multiple non‐covalent interactions between BMIB molecules and GnP in modified graphene (IMG). FTIR and XRD studies confirmed the role of IL as an efficient surface modifier for the uniform dispersion of GnP in the SBR matrix via secondary interactions. And the TEM micrographs revealed an even dispersion of IMG in the SBR matrix. TGA and DTG studies showed significant improvements in the thermal stability of SBR nanocomposites with IMG loading. The Cole‐Cole plot showed imperfect semicircles for all the filled systems, indicating heterogeneity. The novel SBR nanocomposites showed an improvement of 271% in tensile strength with 10‐phr IMG loading

Effects of graphene nanoplatelets inclusion on microstructure and mechanical properties of alkali activated binders

This paper presents a study investigating for the first time the effects of the inclusion of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the mechanical and microstructural properties of alkali activated binders produced with fly ash and slag and using superplasticizer for the GNPs dispersion in the mixing water. Compressive strength and water absorption of mortar cubes, flexural strength of mortar beams, X-ray computer tomography scanning and mercury intrusion porosimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, were carried out on samples cured either at room temperature or at 40 °C. Results showed that the inclusion of GNPs at a dosage of 0.05% provided a considerable increase in compressive strength at both curing conditions. Microstructural observations suggested that the presence of GNPs improved the formation of hydrated gel, and the research demonstrated through porosity measurements the shift from the capillary to the gel pore region due to the inclusion of GNPs. This study represents a step forward in understanding the effects of GNPs inclusion on alkali activated binder microstructure.

Graphene-Based Strain Sensing of Cementitious Composites with Natural and Recycled Sands.

Structural health monitoring is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of civil infrastructures. Traditional monitoring methods involve installing sensors across large regions, which can be costly and ineffective due to the sensors damage and poor compliance with structural members. This study involves systematically varying the graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) concentration and analyzing the strength performance and piezoresistive behavior of the resulting composites. Two different composites having natural and recycled sands with varying percentages of GNPs as 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% were prepared. Dispersion of GNPs was performed in superplasticizer and then ultrasonication was employed by using an ultrasonicator. The four-probe method was utilized to establish the piezoresistive behavior. The results revealed that the compressive strength of mortar cubes with natural sand was increased up to a GNP content of 6%, beyond which it started to decline. In contrast, specimens with recycled sand showed a continuous decrease in the compressive strength. Furthermore, the electrical resistance stability was observed at 4% for both natural and recycled sands specimens, exhibiting linearity between the frictional change in the resistivity and compressive strain values. It can be concluded from this study that the use of self-sensing sustainable cementitious composites could pave their way in civil infrastructures.

Superior enhancement in thermal conductivity of epoxy/graphene nanocomposites through use of dimethylformamide (DMF) relative to acetone as solvent

This method article describes the fabrication of graphene-epoxy nanocomposites using two different solvents, dimethylformamide (DMF) and acetone, and validates the resulting thermal conductivity improvements. The study compared the two solvents at a filler composition of 7 wt% and found that DMF resulted in more uniform dispersion of graphene nanoparticles in the epoxy matrix, leading to a 44% improvement in thermal conductivity compared to acetone. Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) imaging showed that DMF-based composites had more evenly dispersed graphene nanoplatelets than acetone-based composites, which exhibited larger graphene agglomerations. Effective medium theory calculations showed that DMF led to almost 35% lower interface thermal resistance between graphene and epoxy compared to acetone. The validated fabrication method and findings provide new possibilities for developing high thermal conductivity graphene-epoxy nanocomposites for various thermal management applications.•This article describes methods for fabricating graphene-epoxy composites using acetone and DMF as solvents, and validates that DMF is better for achieving higher thermal conductivity in the composite.

Stress and damage-sensing capabilities of asphalt mixtures incorporating graphene nanoplatelets

The development of innovative sensing technologies is essential for implementing smart road pavement monitoring systems. The design of asphalt-based materials with intrinsic self-sensing capabilities represents a promising solution in that regard. Despite this, this technology is still not mature and further efforts should be made for its development. With this aim, the present paper evaluates the self-sensing response of asphalt mixtures incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), and proposes the use of a digital signal processing technique, based on wavelet transform, for the analysis of the electrical signals generated by the mixture. The results showed that the mixtures exhibited both stress and damage sensing functions, albeit some issues related to the dispersion of GNPs should be further investigated. In addition, wavelet transform analysis seems to be able to capture insightful information about the electrical response of the mixture, as well as its structural condition, useful for traffic and pavement health monitoring purposes.

Effect of graphene nanoplatelets on mode I fracture Toughness of epoxy adhesives under water aging conditions

ABSTRACT In this work, graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) are used to reinforce epoxy adhesives, and the effects of GNP on mode I fracture toughness of adhesive under water aging condition are studied through double cantilever beam (DCB) test. Although the GNP reinforced adhesives deliver slightly higher GIC than neat epoxy before water aging, they exhibit an exceptional 21.93% higher GIC after immersing in water for 56 d, at a GNP content of 0.25 w.t.%. According to the experimental results, the effectively dispersed GNP could significantly alleviate the degradation rate in mode I fracture toughness due to the water aging. For example, compared to the non-aging condition, the mode I fracture toughness of neat epoxy decreases by 29.19% after 56 d of water aging. In a stark contrast, the degradation rate for 0.25 w.t.% GNP reinforced adhesive is only 15.76%. In addition, it is observed that GNP greatly improves the fracture surface roughness of DCB samples, which suggests that the incorporation of GNP is able to delay the negative effect of water aging on mode I fracture toughness of adhesive by lowering the diffusion of water into the adhesive, while increasing torturous of the crack propagation path.

Process parameters optimization to disperse graphene nanoplatelets into epoxy polymer to improve electrical conductivity

Process parameters optimization to disperse graphene nanoplatelets into epoxy polymer to improve electrical conductivity

Performance variation of graphene nanoplatelets reinforced concrete concerning dispersion time

Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNP) are one of the most recent, unique and advanced derivative of carbon nanostructures. To achieve uniform dispersion of GNP in cement composite and at the same time to convert GNP into energy-efficient material, research is carried out. In this study, the dispersion ability of Graphene Nanoplatelets is evaluated through the performance of GNP-reinforced concrete. The graphene is dispersed through shear exfoliation using a homogenizer at a speed of 4000 revolutions per minute (rpm) with a polycarboxylate-based surfactant. Accordingly, two types of graphene are prepared depending on the time, exfoliated for one hour (60 m-G) and exfoliated for half an hour (30 m-G). The particle size distribution of both graphene dispersion is evaluated through an optical microscopic analyzer. The dispersed GNP are incorporated into concrete at 0.25 wt% by high-speed mixing; the mechanical and durability properties of graphene-reinforced concrete are evaluated. The experimental results indicated that the compressive and flexural strength of concrete increased by 40.17% and 54.54% by adding one hour shear exfoliated GNP. On the other hand, water and chloride permeability of 30 m-G concrete is reduced by 40.53% and 23.04%, respectively, indicating a reduction in permeability. The mechanical properties of 60 m-G incorporated concrete are better than 30 m-G concrete, but the durability properties are disparate due to the particle size distribution of Graphene Nanoplatelets.

Processing and properties of a graphene-reinforced superhydrophobic siloxane

Three-dimensional superhydrophobic materials are characterized by a low surface energy and extremely low strength, and hence require reinforcement for viable applications. An experimental study is presented of the processing and mechanical properties of a graphene-reinforced superhydrophobic siloxane, synthesized by a sol–gel approach integrating alkali activation of metakaolin, hydrolysis of alkoxysilane, dispersion of graphene into the precursor, and co-condensation. To promote uniform dispersion and distribution of graphene, three processing techniques were used: while ultrasonication was adopted to disperse graphene nanoplatelets, accelerated condensation at 50 and 75 °C and varying the precursor’s viscosity used to prevent graphene from floating and re-aggregation. Results of nanoindentation, porosimetry, and unconfined compression show that adding 0.9 wt% graphene increases the strength of the superhydrophobic composites from ∼ 0 to 34 MPa. Slow condensation and curing at 25 °C allow graphene to re-aggregate and float upward in the sol, leading to its heterogeneous distribution. Despite its function in improving microscale dispersion, ultrasonication detrimentally decreases the composite’s strength due to acoustic cavitation. Similarly, curing at elevated temperatures accelerates co-condensation and results in a more uniform distribution of graphene, but induces thermal cavitation and bubble formation, because the threshold for acoustic and thermal cavitations is significantly reduced by superhydrophobicity.

Thermal buckling and vibration analysis of rotating porous FG GNPs-reinforced Reddy microplates

Thermal buckling and free vibration analysis of rotating functionally graded (FG) graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) reinforced nanocomposite porous metal-matrix microplates subjected to a linear thermal gradient are presented in this paper. The third-order shear deformation theory (TSDT) of Reddy and the Lagrange's equation of the second kind are adopted to derive the governing equations of motion via the modified couple stress theory (MCST). Different patterns of porosity distribution and GNPs dispersion are considered. The effective material properties of the microplate are determined by employing the Halpin-Tsai micromechanical model and rule of mixture. Galerkin method is chosen as a numerical technique, in which the comparison functions for displacements are approximately described as the boundary functions multiplied by Chebyshev polynomials, to solve the governing equations for various boundary conditions. The accuracy and effectiveness of the present results are validated by comparing with the previous literature. The effects of GNPs dispersion pattern, geometry and weight fraction as well as porosity coefficient, porosity distribution, angular velocity and material length scale parameter on the critical buckling temperature rise and fundamental frequency are studied. It is contrary to expectations that either increasing the amount of GNPs or increasing the porosity coefficient improves the thermal buckling behavior. Results also show that the GNPs' performances are affected not only by their geometry, but also by the centrifugally stiffening and small-scale effects. Rotating motion weakens the enhancement of GNPs on the thermal buckling behavior. More clamped boundaries enhance the critical buckling temperature rise and fundamental frequency. The outcomes of this work can be used as the reference for future applications in various fields of industry and technology.

Investigation of tribological properties of polypropylene (PP)—Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) blends reinforced with graphene nano-platelets (GNPs)

The tribological response of PP-ABS/GNPs nanocomposites fabricated via extrusion and injection molding with varying wt% GNPs fractions were examined under varying normal load and sliding speed wear test parameters. The specimens with 3% GNPs and 11% GNPs respectively exhibited the lowest and highest specific wear rates and COF under all test conditions. Increased load led to significantly reduced COF values, whereas increased sliding speed led to a slight reduction in COF by contributing to the formation of a continuous transfer layer. Addition of GNPs helped to retain the worn material on the contact surface and led to improved wear resistance up to the weight fraction of 3% after which non-homogeneous dispersion of GNPs occurred.

Mechanical Homogenization of Transversely Isotropic CNT/GNP Reinforced Biocomposite for Wind Turbine Blades: Numerical and Analytical Study

One of the biggest problems facing the use of carbon nanotubes in reinforced composites is agglomeration within the matrix phase. This phenomenon—caused by Van der Waals forces—leads to dispersion problems and weakens the properties of the composites. This research presents a multi-stage homogenization approach used to investigate the influence of the aspect ratio, volume fraction, and agglomeration of the nanofillers on the effective mechanical properties of a polymer biocomposite containing randomly dispersed carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplatelets. The first stage consisted in evaluating the properties of the reinforced polymers by the CNT/GNP. The second step consisted in combining the reinforced polymers with different natural and synthetic unidirectionally oriented fibers. It was found that agglomeration has a huge influence on the mechanical properties of the composite. The novelty of this work consisted of the consideration of the parameters influencing the elastic properties using different micromechanics approaches and numerical techniques.

Physico-chemical and tribological properties of commercial oil - bio-lubricant mixtures dispersed with graphene nanoplatelets.

This study focuses on the physicochemical and tribological properties of bio-lubricants and commercial lubricant blends dispersed with graphene nanoplatelets. In the processing of the bio lubricant, special care was taken to ensure that the physicochemical properties do not deteriorate too much when the bio lubricant is blended with commercial oil. Calophyllum inophyllum (Tamanu tree) seed oil was used to prepare a penta-erythritol (PE) ester. The PE ester was mixed with commercial SN motor oil at 10, 20, 30 & 40% v/v concentrations. The oil samples are tested on a four-ball wear tester to see how well they perform under wear, friction, and extreme pressure conditions. The optimum blend of PE ester - commercial SN motor oil for the best performance is found in the first phase. Later the optimum blend of commercial oil and bio-lubricant is dispersed with graphene nanoplatelets in 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 1% weight fractions. A blend ratio of 30% bio-lubricant in commercial oil dispersed with 0.05% graphene nanoplatelets dramatically reduces friction and wear. During the extreme pressure test, commercial oil, and bio-lubricant blends performed better in load-carrying capacity and welding force, indicating an improved load-wear index. These improved properties due to the dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets could facilitate the use of a higher blend percentage of bio lubricant. Analysis of the worn surfaces after the EP test showed that bio lubricant, additives, and graphene worked together in the blend of bio lubricant and commercial oil.