The potential of hBN nanoparticles as friction modifier and antiwear additive in engine oil

¹ Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Hang Tuah Jaya, 76100 Durian Tunggal, Melaka, Malaysia
² Centre for Advanced Research on Energy, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Hang Tuah Jaya, 76100 Durian Tunggal, Melaka, Malaysia
³ Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Hang Tuah Jaya, 76100 Durian Tunggal, Melaka, Malaysia

^a Corresponding author: mohdfadzli@utem.edu.my

Received: 19 January 2015
Accepted: 25 May 2015

Abstract

An experimental investigation was conducted to investigate the potential of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticles as friction modifier and antiwear additive in engine oil. In this study, an optimal composition (0.5 vol.%) of 70 nm hBN nanoparticles was dispersed in SAE 15W-40 diesel engine oil by sonication technique. Sample was stabilized using 0.3 vol.% oleic acid as a surfactant. The tribological test was performed using a four-ball tribometer. Surface morphology and its chemical composition were carried out using a profilometer, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). It was found that the optimized nano-oil could reduce the coefficient of friction and increase wear resistance, as compared with conventional diesel engine oil. Some adhesive and abrasive wear types were identified as predominant wear mechanisms.