Purpose
This study aims to study the tribological performance of sunflower TMP ester and silica nanoparticles additives as a biolubricant alternative to the conventional lubricants for hydrodynamic journal bearing applications.
Design/methodology/approach
Nanolubricants were synthesized using an ultrasonicator and a homogenizer. A pin-on-disk tribometer was used to simulate the boundary lubrication condition for hydrodynamic journal bearing application in the presence of the studied lubricants. Surface analysis of the pin (bearing material) was done using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.
Findings
The sunflower TMP ester performed well in terms of the coefficient of friction compared to commercial lubricants, but its wear performance was poor. The silica nanoparticles improved the wear and friction performance of the sunflower TMP ester. With the addition of 1% silica nanoparticles to sunflower TMP ester, the reduction in the coefficient of friction was 27.92% and the reduction in specific wear rate was 54.79%, making it the best lubricant out of all studied lubricants.
Originality/value
Although there are various available studies on vegetable oil-based lubricants for hydrodynamic journal bearing applications, the studies on the use of vegetable oil-based TMP esters for hydrodynamic journal bearing applications are limited. Also, the effect of silica nanoparticles on the tribological performance of TMP esters under boundary lubrication condition has not been studied extensively in the available literature.
Vegetable oil-based lubricants are environment-friendly options as against conventional lubricants. This paper discusses the synthesis as well as characterisation of esters from ricinoleic acid and sebacic acid whose main source is castor oil. Physicochemical properties, tribological study as well as oxidation study have been carried out for the esters. With the increase in ester chain length, extreme pressure properties, viscosity index and pour point has improved, whereas oxidation stability had a detrimental effect. The coefficient of friction for commercial base stocks was better than any of the studied esters.
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