Tribological characteristic evaluation of coconut oil dispersed with surfactant modified ceria-zirconia hybrid nanoparticles

Abstract

ABSTRACT The tribological characteristics of coconut oil added with ceria-zirconia hybrid (Ce-Zr) nanoparticle additives are investigated using a sophisticated pin-on-disk tribometer. A chemical processing technique namely, precipitation method (PM) is used for the synthesis of Ce-Zr nanoparticles. High-end characterization practices using microscopy and spectroscopy analyses were utilized to determine their morphology, composition, and structure. A model was developed through the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) technique, in which the Box Behnken Design (BBD) was chosen to develop the experimental design. The extent of influence held by the various factors, viz. speed, load, temperature, and nanoparticle concentration (wt.%) were evaluated using distinct methods such as analysis of variance (ANOVA), regression analysis and normal probability distribution. The thermo-physical properties such as kinematic viscosity, flash, and fire point of the lubricant were also subject to examination for any possible improvement. The optimum concentration of Ce-Zr nanoparticles for maximum performance of the formulated fluid was determined to be 0.62 wt.%.