DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NANOMATERIAL-BASED LUBRICANTS FOR ENHANCED WEAR RESISTANCE IN HIGH-TEMPERATURE MACHINE OPERATIONS

Abstract

This study investigates the development and characterization of nanomaterial-based lubricants to enhance wear resistance and thermal stability in high-temperature machine operations. Graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and metal oxide nanoparticles (ZnO and Al2O3) were incorporated into synthetic base oils to evaluate their tribological properties, thermal stability, and environmental sustainability. Tribological tests, including pin-on-disk and four-ball wear tests, demonstrated that nanomaterial-based lubricants, particularly those with graphene, exhibited superior wear resistance, with wear rates up to 40% lower than conventional base oils. The friction coefficient was also significantly reduced, indicating improved lubrication efficiency under high-temperature conditions. Thermal stability tests revealed that graphene and CNT-based lubricants maintained their viscosity and exhibited minimal oxidation even at temperatures exceeding 250°C, outperforming traditional oils. The four-ball wear tests established the superior load-carrying properties of graphene-based lubricants because they produced the smallest wear scar diameter and most effective load-bearing capacity. Tests using life-cycle assessment (LCA) showed graphene-based lubricants started with higher costs but saved significant maintenance expenses alongside lower environmental impact over their entire lifespan. The research demonstrates that lubricating systems containing nanomaterials especially graphene-based products represent an attractive method to improve both machine performance and environmental sustainability in heat-sensitive operations. The research delivers important findings about advanced lubricant performance while showing the potential benefit of adopting them for industries demanding intense high-performance lubrication applications.