Boron Oxide/Alumina Nanocomposites as Lubricant Oil Additives to Save Friction-Induced Energy Waste

Abstract

Friction, existed in almost every motion process in nature, causes a significant waste of energy. In order to reduce the energy waste, the lubricity performance of the lubricant oil was largely improved by introducing an appropriate number of nanocomposites into it. Herein, in order to give full play to the respective advantages of boron oxide(B2O3) nanoparticle and alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticle and achieve the best anti-wear and anti-friction effect, the synthesis and surface functionalization of B2O3/Al2O3 nanocomposites were provided by one-step nonhydrolytic sol. The surface functionalized B2O3/Al2O3 nanocomposites can be stably dispersed in lubricating oil for more than 60 days. The lubricating oil with 0.1 wt% B2O3/Al2O3 nanocomposites can greatly reduce the coefficient of friction (COF) and surface wear. This concept opens a promising way to save energy by increasing the usage efficiency and simultaneously alleviating the environmental pollutions caused by consumption of fossil energy.