Effect of palm-sesame biodiesel fuels with alcoholic and nanoparticle additives on tribological characteristics of lubricating oil by four ball tribo-tester

Abstract

Dilution of engine oil with unburned fuels alters its lubricity and tribological properties. In this research paper, SAE-40 lubricating oil samples were contaminated with known percentages (5%) of fuels (diesel, palm-sesame biodiesel blend (B30), B30 + ethanol, B30 + dimethyl carbonate, B30 + carbon nanotubes and, B30 + titanium oxide). The effect of all these fuels on wear and frictional characteristics of lubricating oil was determined by using a 4-ball tribo tester and wear types on worn surfaces were analyzed by using SEM. Lubricating oil diluted with B10 (commercial diesel) showed highest COF (42.95%) with severe abrasive and adhesive wear than mineral lubricant among other fuels. Lubricating oil diluted with palm-sesame biodiesel (B30 blend) with alcoholic additives showed comparatively less COF, less wear scar diameter and polishing wear due to presence of ester molecules. Lub + B30 + Eth exhibited increment in COF value (35.81%) compared to SAE-40 mineral lubricant. While lubricating oil contaminated with B30 with nanoparticles showed least frictional characteristics with abrasive wear. Lub + B30 + TiO2 showed least increment in COF value (13.78%) among all other contaminated fuels compared to SAE-40 mineral lubricant. It is concluded that nanoparticles in biodiesel blends (B30) helps in reducing degradation of lubricants than alcoholic fuel additives and commercial diesel.