The tribological behaviour of ZnO nanoparticles as an additive to PAO6

• Published in: Wear Vol. 261; no. 3; pp. 256 - 263
• Main Authors: Hernandez Battez, A., Fernandez Rico, J.E., Navas Arias, A., Viesca Rodriguez, J.L., Chou Rodriguez, R., Diaz Fernandez, J.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 30-08-2006; Amsterdam Elsevier Science; New York, NY
• Subjects: Additives; Applied sciences; Dispersing agents; Exact sciences and technology; Friction, wear, lubrication; Machine components; Mechanical engineering. Machine design; PAO6; Tribological behaviour; ZnO nanoparticles; Tribological behaviour; Additives; ZnO nanoparticles; PAO6; Dispersing agents; Scuffing; Nanoparticle; Dispersant; Dense phase; Metal; Surface analysis; Lubricant additive; Coated particle; Olefin polymer; Zinc oxide; Scanning electron microscopy; Adhesive wear; Initial condition; Wear test; X ray spectrometry; Steel; Lubricant; Surface hardness; Energy dispersion; Antiwear additive; Four ball machine; Groove; Abrasives; Tribology
• ISSN: 0043-1648; 1873-2577
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wear.2005.10.001

This is a study on the tribological behaviour of ZnO nanoparticles as an additive to a polyalphaolefin (PAO6) and on the influence of dispersing agents (OL100 and OL300). Anti-wear tests were run on a Falex Roxana four-ball machine and EP properties were obtained using a Stanhope Seta Shell Four-Ball EP Lubricant Tester. Ensuing SEM and EDS analysis of the worn surface highlighted a number of conclusions: OL300 has better dispersant properties than OL100; OL100 and OL300 are potentially useful as wear reducer additives in PAO6; formation of aggregates was found for 1 and 1.5% of ZnO in PAO6
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3% OL300 suspension, and these non-coated ZnO nanoparticles had an abrasive behaviour in the AW region, despite their lower hardness compared to steel surfaces; ZnO nanoparticles do not act as anti-wear agent under certain conditions but in EP conditions, from the initial seizure load, they decrease wear; the EP behaviour improvement of PAO6
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1% OL300
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ZnO mixtures was related to the increase of ZnO nanoparticle concentration and their surface deposition on the wear scar surface; PAO6
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3% OL300
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0.3% ZnO displayed the best EP behaviour in PAO6
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3% OL300
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ZnO mixtures, while PAO6
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3% OL300
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1% ZnO and PAO6
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3% OL300
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3% ZnO were worse, despite Zn deposition on the wear scar surface.