The use of nanomaterials in oils is one of the exciting and significant innovations in today’s world that can bring substantial improvements in the performance and efficiency of lubricants. Nanomaterials can help enhance the features of oils. This is due to their unique characteristics such as high surface area and excellent mechanical and chemical properties.
One of the key reasons for using nanomaterials in oils is to increase the efficiency and lifespan of engines and other mechanical systems. By adding nanomaterials to motor oils, friction and wear can be significantly reduced. This leads to lower fuel consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. This not only helps reduce operational costs but also decreases environmental impacts. Also, nanomaterials can act as anti-corrosion and anti-oxidation agents and improve the durability and stability of oils in harsh operational conditions. These properties can also reduce the need for frequent oil changes and ultimately lower the maintenance costs.
Given the growing advancement of technology and the increasing demand for higher efficiency across various industries, the use of nanomaterials in oils has become a necessity. In this regard, Nanosenjesh Company, by producing oil additives based on nanomaterials has been able to reduce costs by improving the performance and quality of oils. With continued research and development in this area, a bright future is predicted for the use of nanomaterials in the oil industry.
Oil additive based on zinc oxide (ZnO)
Zinc oxide is a mineral compound with antibacterial, anti-corrosion, and rust-resistant properties. ZnO is primarily used in lubricants to prevent rust and reduce friction between metal parts. This additive is most commonly applied in multi-purpose oils and is beneficial due to its chemical stability at moderate to above-normal temperatures.
Ideal for applications
- Light industrial machinery and vehicles operating in humid or semi-arid environments.
- Engine oils that require resistance to corrosion and rust.
Pin-On-Disk Wear Test
In the Pin-on-Disk test, the coefficient of friction is examined. For this purpose, two samples were tested according to ASTM G99 standards: a base oil and a base oil mixed with 0.4% Wt ZnO additive.
The test was conducted at a temperature of 100 ºC according to ASTM G99 standards. The applied force was 200 Newtons, the sliding distance was 1000 meters, and the motor speed was 250 rpm.
In this test, it was observed that the coefficient of friction for the base oil mixture with 0.4 % Wt by weight of ZnO was lower than that of the base oil. This reduction in the coefficient of friction shows that the ZnO nanoparticles have helped improve the lubrication properties of the oil.
It appears that ZnO nanoparticles help achieve a more uniform and effective distribution of oil on surfaces. This results in reduced friction. This characteristic suggests that ZnO nanoparticles can serve as an effective additive in lubricating oils and improve the mechanical performance of lubrication systems.
Images of the four-ball test: The test was conducted with an applied force of 392 Newtons, over a time of 3600 seconds, with a motor speed of 1200 rpm.
Wear Test (Four-Ball Test)
The four-ball test or wear test is another test that can determine the effect of various additives in oil on the amount of wear. Below are the images of this test to compare the wear level when using base oil and base oil mixed with ZnO -based additive.
In the four-ball test, images (a) and (b) represent the base oil without the ZnO additive. They show wear track lengths of 1581.73 μm and 1682.29 μm, respectively. Images (c) and (d) correspond to the base oil containing the ZnO additive, which wear track lengths of 787.22 μm and 815.28 μm, respectively.
In general, these images show that when using base oil, the surfaces are exposed to direct wear, and the effects of wear are clearly visible. The wear tracks are long and extensive. This shows a greater damaged surface. However, in the presence of the ZnO oil additive, the wear effects have decreased. The wear track lengths are shorter and fewer. This shows reduced surface damage. This reduction in wear is due to the improvement in the lubrication properties of the oil, thanks to the presence of ZnO nanoparticles. These nanoparticles help distribute the oil more evenly and effectively on the surfaces. In other words, ZnO nanoparticles fill surface imperfections and form a protective layer. This helps reduce friction and wear and ultimately increase the lifespan of parts and equipment.