Experimental investigation on thermophysical and tribological characteristics of conventional and biolubricating oil blended with nanoparticles

Abstract

In this study, 1.0 wt% copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were added to conventional mineral oil (B20W-40), synthetic oil (S20W-40), and a transesterified castor oil methyl ester (CME). This study examined the properties of B20W-40+CuO (addition of 1.0 wt% CuO), S20W-40+CuO, and CME+CuO oils and compared them with their raw versions (B20W-40, S20W-40, and CME). All investigation in this study was conducted in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. The resulting variations in thermal, tribological, and corrosive properties were assessed. The addition of CuO enhanced the thermo-physical and tribological properties of nanofluids. The tribological effect of CuO nanoparticles increased the frictional coefficient of B20W-40, S20W-40, and CME by 6.44%, 39.20%, and 17.84%, respectively. Among the tested oils, B20W-40+CuO shows good thermophysical properties, and S20W-40+CuO shows better tribological effects due to the easy dispersion of CuO nanoparticles.