Tribological Performance and Rheological Properties of Engine Oil with Graphene Nano-Additives

Abstract

Nanoparticles dispersed in lubricants are being studied for their ability to reduce friction and wear. This paper examines SAE 5W-30 oil enhanced with dispersed graphene nanoplates for tribological and rheological properties. Graphene nanoplate (GNs) concentration effects on the rheological and tribological properties of 5W-30 base oil (0.03, 0.06, 0.09, 0.12, and 0.15 wt percent) were tested. Under various loads, a four-ball testing model was used to conduct a tribological analysis (200, 400, 600, and 800 N). Kinematic viscosity is calculated, and base oil and nanofluid-added 5W30 lubricant are compared for thermal conductivity and flashpoint. Wear scar and coefficient of friction improved by 15% and 33% with nano-additives. When related to the base oil, the flashpoint, thermal conductivity, kinematic viscosity, and pour point all increased, by 25.4%, 77.4%, 29.9%, and 35.4%, respectively. The addition of GNs improved the properties of 5W30 engine oil.