Evaluation of the effect of silver nanoparticles on the tribological and thermophysical properties of bio-lubricants

Abstract

In this article, the effect of infusion of silver nanoparticles into the base oil lubricants was investigated. In this study, Jatropha and Pongamia oils were used as base oils and silver nanoparticles infused at 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75% weight-percentage of the base oils to create nano-based bio-lubricants. The influence of silver nanoparticles on the Tribological and Thermophysical properties of the base oils was analyzed through various test procedures. The Pin-on-disc tribometer test was done to measure friction and wear at various loads. Pin made of Aluminum metal matrix composite fabricated by stir casting method was used and the results revealed that the inclusion of silver nanoparticles significantly improved the friction and wear properties of the base oils. Pin-worn surface morphology was analyzed using a field emission scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. Thermal conductivity and kinematic viscosity of nano-based bio-lubricants were evaluated as per ASTM standards and the results showed that both the thermal conductivity and kinematic viscosity increased with the infusion of silver nanoparticles.