Synthesis and tribological properties of nanogrease

Abstract

Purpose To enhance the tribological properties of nanogrease, one of the new technologies was used to synthesize a nanogrease having carbon nanotubes (CNTs) nanoparticles (NPs) with different concentrations. The microstructures of the synthesized NPs were characterized and evaluated by x-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Tribological properties of the nanogrease were evaluated using a four-ball tester. The worn surface of four steel balls was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Design/methodology/approach Grease was dissolved in chloroform (10 Wt.%), at 25 °C for 1 h. In parallel, functionalized CNTs with different volume concentrations (0.5, 1, 2 and 3 Wt.%) were dispersed in N, N-dimethylformamide. The mixture was stirred for 15 min and then sonicated (40 kHz, 150 W) for 30 min. After that, the mixture was added to the grease solution and magnetically stirred for 15 min and then sonicated for 2 h. Findings The results suggested that CNTs can enhance the antiwear and friction properties of nanogrease at 0.5 Wt.% CNTs to about 57 and 48 per cent, respectively. In addition, the weld load of the base oil containing 0.5 Wt.% CNTs was improved by 17 per cent compared with base grease. Originality/value This work describes the inexpensive and simple fabrication of nanogrease for improving the properties of lubricants, which improve power efficiency and extend lifetimes of mechanical equipment.