Study of tribological and thermal properties of engine lubricant by dispersion of aluminium nano additives

Abstract

This study is experimental investigation of the tribological and thermal properties of aluminium and aluminium oxide nano particles immersed in engine lubricating oil. SAE20W40SL oil was used as base oil in which aluminium and aluminium oxide nano particles in size of 50 nm at the concentration of 0.2% and 0.1% were disseminated. Ultrasonic bath was used for the dispersal of the nano particles in the base oil. Pin-On-Disk apparatus was used for the measurement of the frictional force and wear rate of the lubricant. The results indicated a reduction in frictional force by 52% and 28% by aluminium and aluminium oxide nano lubricants at 0.2% concentration. The thermal conductivity test result showed an increase in thermal conductivity by 4.8% and 2.3% while using aluminium and aluminium oxide lubricants at 0.2% concentration. A reduction in the wear rate and viscosity of the lubricants was also seen while using nano particles.