Boehmite nanoparticles for potential enhancement of tribological performance of lubricants

A set of nanolubricants was prepared by varying concentrations of Boehmite nanoparticles (0.25,0.5,0.75,1 wt%) in synthetic base oil (PAO-6) with a fixed concentration of dispersant (PIBSA). This is the first study exploring Boehmite mineral for its antiwear and extreme pressure performance. Nanolubricants showed excellent colloidal stability for over 30 days without any sedimentation and improved viscosity index by 4.35% at 1 wt% con-centration. Four ball tribometer was used for exploring the tribological performance of Boehmite nanolubricants. A significant 24% wear reduction over base oil was observed for optimum NPs concentration of 0.5 wt% beyond that performance deteriorated. On the other hand, increased NPs concentration enhanced load-bearing capacity for EP test and the highest enhancement of 40% was observed for 0.75 and 1 wt% concentrations. Based on surface characterization techniques, we confirm dehydration of Boehmite NPs into Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) under tribostress. We further confirm regenerative, sacrificial protective tribofilm composed of tribosintered Al2O3 along with oxide film on the rubbing surfaces.