Thermophysical and Tribological Characterization of Additivated Lubricants with Nanoparticles

A special issue of Lubricants (ISSN 2075-4442).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 7284

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Laboratory of Thermophysical and Tribological Properties, NaFoMat Group, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Physics and Institute of Materials (iMATUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Interests: nanomaterial; tribology; friction; wear; lubrication

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Guest Editor
University Institute of Clean Mobility and Thermofluids CMT, Polytechnic University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Interests: tribology; friction; wear; additives; lubrication;materials; thermodynamics; ionic liquids

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the pursuit of optimal performance and longevity in mechanical systems, lubrication stands as a cornerstone, mitigating wear and friction to ensure smooth operation. Traditional lubricants have long been subject to refinement and enhancement, yet the quest for superior efficiency and durability persists. Enter the realm of nanoparticle additives, a burgeoning frontier in lubrication science promising revolutionary advancements.

This Special Issue delves into the realm of thermophysical and tribological characterization of nanoparticle-enriched lubricants, aiming to unravel the complex dynamics involved and explore the potential of nanoparticle additives. Nanoparticles, owing to their unique size-dependent properties, exhibit remarkable abilities to modify the behavior of lubricants, offering promising opportunities for enhancing lubrication efficiency and durability across diverse industrial applications.

Within this Special Issue, researchers converge to explore the multifaceted aspects of nanoparticle-lubricant interactions. From elucidating the thermophysical properties of nanoparticle-loaded lubricants to dissecting their tribological performance under varying conditions, each contribution endeavors to illuminate the path toward harnessing the full potential of these nano-additives.

Dr. María Jesús García Guimarey
Dr. Khodor Nasser
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nanoparticles
  • additives
  • lubricant
  • viscosity
  • density
  • friction
  • wear

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 5317 KiB  
Article
Tribological Investigation of the Surface Protective Layer-Forming Effect of a Nano-Sized Yttria–Silica Mixture as a Lubricating Oil Additive
by Ádám István Szabó, Attila Csík, Tamás Fodor, Kálmán Vad, Márk Marsicki and Álmos Dávid Tóth
Lubricants 2025, 13(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants13010028 - 10 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1127
Abstract
Nanoparticles exhibit diverse effects when added as additives to oily medium, enhancing tribological properties and surface characteristics. Studies have shown that many oxide ceramic nanoparticles improve friction and wear, while mixtures also demonstrate favorable tribological properties. This study explores the tribological effect of [...] Read more.
Nanoparticles exhibit diverse effects when added as additives to oily medium, enhancing tribological properties and surface characteristics. Studies have shown that many oxide ceramic nanoparticles improve friction and wear, while mixtures also demonstrate favorable tribological properties. This study explores the tribological effect of an yttria–silica (Y2O3, SiO2) nanoparticle mixture in a Group III base oil medium. The results reveal that the yttria–silica mixture significantly reduces friction (−8–17%), mean wear scar diameter (−32%), and wear volume (−94%), while increasing load-bearing capacity (+114%) by creating a durable boundary layer. Observations from scanning electron microscopy revealed the original surface is protected. EDX analyses highlight the boundary layer’s elemental composition, which is high in yttrium, silicon, and oxygen and found in higher areas. XRD analysis could not detect the yttria nanoparticle additive within the boundary layer, suggesting that it fragmented due to sliding stress, resulting in an amorphous structure for the new boundary layer. TEM imaging confirmed that the boundary layer thickness is 40–45 nm. These findings demonstrate significant potential for industrial applications in developing advanced, high-performance lubricants for demanding mechanical systems. Full article
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23 pages, 10749 KiB  
Article
Impact of Biosynthesized CeO2 Nanoparticle Concentration on the Tribological, Rheological, and Thermal Performance of Lubricating Oil
by Siraj Azam and Sang-Shin Park
Lubricants 2024, 12(11), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12110400 - 20 Nov 2024
Viewed by 753
Abstract
This study presents an approach to enhance the performance of lubricating oils through the environmentally friendly synthesis of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles using Moringa oleifera leaf extract. These biosynthesized nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized for their structural and thermal stability by utilizing [...] Read more.
This study presents an approach to enhance the performance of lubricating oils through the environmentally friendly synthesis of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles using Moringa oleifera leaf extract. These biosynthesized nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized for their structural and thermal stability by utilizing X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The CeO2 nanolubricants, prepared at various concentrations, displayed significant improvements in viscosity, stability, and thermal conductivity. Specifically, the 0.15 wt% concentration achieved the best performance, reducing viscosity to 9.79 pascal-second (Pa·s) at 80 °C while exhibiting excellent dispersion and minimal sedimentation over time. The thermal conductivity tests revealed a notable 43% increase in heat transfer efficiency at higher nanoparticle concentrations. Tribological tests conducted using a tribometer demonstrated significant improvements in the lubrication properties. The nanolubricant with a 0.15 wt% concentration of CeO2 nanoparticles achieved the lowest friction coefficient, showing an approximate 26% reduction compared to the base oil, along with a notable decrease in wear rate. This study demonstrates the potential of biosynthesized CeO2 nanoparticles as effective, sustainable additives in lubricating oils, providing improved thermal, rheological, and tribological properties and marking a significant step toward eco-friendly lubrication solutions. Full article
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Review

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22 pages, 1673 KiB  
Review
Recent Studies on Nanomaterials as Additives to Lubricants Under Electrified Conditions for Tribology: Review
by Khodor Nasser, María J. G. Guimarey and Neuma das Mercês Pereira
Lubricants 2025, 13(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants13010002 - 24 Dec 2024
Viewed by 807
Abstract
The tribological performance of nanolubricants in electric drivetrains has gained attention due to the rapid growth of electric vehicles. Nanomaterials, especially those with high thermal conductivity and low electrical conductivity, are favored as lubricant additives for use in electrical conditions. Low-viscosity lubricants, known [...] Read more.
The tribological performance of nanolubricants in electric drivetrains has gained attention due to the rapid growth of electric vehicles. Nanomaterials, especially those with high thermal conductivity and low electrical conductivity, are favored as lubricant additives for use in electrical conditions. Low-viscosity lubricants, known for their good thermal conductivity, are increasingly being considered for electric powertrains. Combining appropriate nanomaterials with lubricants can optimize nanolubricants for electric drivetrains, with stability, tribocorrosion, and electro-viscosity being key factors. Traditional tribometers, when modified to apply external electrical power, allow testing of nanolubricants under electrical conditions, providing insights into their behavior with positive and/or negative electrical charges. To achieve accurate and stable results, tribological test systems must be adapted, requiring well-isolated rigs for controlled data collection. This adaptation enables a better understanding of the interaction between nanomaterials and surfaces under lubrication. This paper reviews studies that use modified tribometers to analyze nanolubricant performance under mechanical and electrical conditions and explores the effects of electrical and thermal factors on lubricant properties, nanomaterials, and their mechanisms under triboelectric conditions. Full article
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Other

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25 pages, 4241 KiB  
Systematic Review
Nanotechnology in Lubricants: A Systematic Review of the Use of Nanoparticles to Reduce the Friction Coefficient
by Milton Garcia Tobar, Rafael Wilmer Contreras Urgiles, Bryan Jimenez Cordero and Julio Guillen Matute
Lubricants 2024, 12(5), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12050166 - 9 May 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3936
Abstract
The study of lubricating oil is paramount for the optimal functioning of modern engines, and it has generated intensive research in the automotive industry. The aim is to improve the tribological properties of lubricants by including nanomaterials as additives in base oils. This [...] Read more.
The study of lubricating oil is paramount for the optimal functioning of modern engines, and it has generated intensive research in the automotive industry. The aim is to improve the tribological properties of lubricants by including nanomaterials as additives in base oils. This article presents an exhaustive bibliographic review of the experiments carried out to optimize the tribological properties of nano-lubricants in order to identify the nanoparticles and experimental processes used and analyze the results obtained. The methodology adopted combines inductive and deductive elements. It begins with the formulation of a general theory on the application of nanoparticles in lubricants, followed by the collection of specific data on the conceptualization and preparation of nano-lubricants. A total of 176 articles focused on the application of nanoparticles in lubricants, especially to reduce the coefficient of friction, are reviewed. These works, with impact levels Q1 and Q2, delve into the application and are analyzed to review the obtained results. Most researchers worked with a nanoparticle concentration range of 0% to 1% by volume. Full article
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