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Experimental studies on the tribological behaviour of engine oil (SAE15W40) with the addition of CuO nanoparticles

Manu V. Thottackkad (Mechanical Department, National Institute of Technology, Calicut, India)
P.K. Rajendrakumar (Mechanical Engineering Department, National Institute of Technology, Calicut, India)
K. Prabhakaran Nair (Mechanical Department, National Institute of Technology, Calicut, India)

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology

ISSN: 0036-8792

Article publication date: 4 March 2014

351

Abstract

Purpose

This manuscript aims to deal with the tribological property variations of engine oil (SAE15W40) by the addition of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles on weight percentage basis.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental studies on the influence of CuO nanoparticles utilised as an additive in lubricating oil (SAE15W40) under boundary lubrication conditions have been carried out using a pin-on-disc machine in accordance with ASTM G-99 standard. The variation of viscosity, coefficient of friction, wear and settling of nanoparticles has been studied as a function of particle concentration in the lubricant.

Findings

Results show that the frictional force and specific wear rate decrease with an increase in concentration of nanoparticles comes to a minimum at a specific concentration and then increases, showing the presence of an optimum concentration. With the increase in concentration of nanoparticles, the kinematic and dynamic viscosities, and the flash and fire points are found to increase.

Originality/value

The use of CuO nanoparticles as additives to a moderate level is a very efficient means of improving the tribological properties of lubricating oils.

Keywords

Citation

V. Thottackkad, M., Rajendrakumar, P.K. and Prabhakaran Nair, K. (2014), "Experimental studies on the tribological behaviour of engine oil (SAE15W40) with the addition of CuO nanoparticles", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 66 No. 2, pp. 289-297. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-01-2012-0006

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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