Effects of Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) at Different Concentrations on Tribological Properties of Liquid Base Lubricants

In this study, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nano platelets were used as an additive to enhance friction and wear properties of oil-based lubricants by preparing three samples at 0.01% w/w, 0.05% w/w, and 0.1% w/w concentrations. To analyze the direct effect of rGO nano platelets on tribological properties, 99.9% pure oil was used as a liquid lubricant. A comparative tribological study was done by performing a ball-on-disk wear test in situ under harsh conditions, which was further analyzed using a non-contact 3D optical profilometer. Morphological evaluation of the scar was done using transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM, SEM) at micro and nano levels. The lubricants’ physical properties, such as viscosity and oxidation number, were evaluated and compared for all samples including pure oil (control sample) as per ASTM standards. Findings of all these tests show that adding rGO nano platelets at 0.05% w/w showed significant reduction in friction at high speed and in wear up to 51.85%, which is very promising for increasing the life span of moving surfaces in machinery. Oxidation and viscosity tests also proved that adding rGO nano platelets to all samples does not sacrifice the physical properties of the lubricant, while it improves friction and wear properties.

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