Abstract

Abstract: The demand for environmentally benign substitutes and potential replacements for the conventional petroleum-based lubricants is on the increase. Palm oil is one of such that have attracted the attention of researchers. In this study, the effect of graphite nanoparticles on friction characteristics of palm-based cooking oil as biolubricant using G.U.N.T. TM 260.01 rolling/sliding disc module is presented. The key parameters considered were graphite concentration in the palm oil, rotational speed and applied load. The results revealed that with increase in load there was a corresponding increase in friction force for each load applied. However, reverse was the case with increase in rotational speed. It was observed that with increase in rotational speed, there was evident decrease in frictional force. Similarly, with increase in rotational speed, the coefficient of friction decreased for each concentration of graphite in the lubricant. Furthermore, for both increasing rotational speed and amount of graphite, coefficient of friction (COF) decreased. With the right mixing ratio, palm oil and graphite nanoparticles could form an effective blend of nanolubricant suitable as a potential replacement for most mineral and synthetic lubricants for specific engineering applications.