Anti-Friction and Anti-Wear Surfactant-Assisted Nano-Carbons Stable Formulations for Easy Industrialization

Abstract

Herein, with the aim of enhancing tribological properties of lubricating oils, by adopting stable nano-additives and without substantially modifying oil rheological properties, carbon nanotubes and graphene-based nano-carbons were synthesized through simple and scalable processes. Afterward, a systematic study of their stability in Group I and III base oils, with and without low amounts of dispersant/surfactants, was performed, revealing the effectiveness of the synergistic combination of SDBS and Tween 80. Tribological tests showed a significative reduction of coefficient of friction and wear scar diameter up to 22% and 19%. Moreover, a significant reduction of the surface roughness was also recorded both at ambient temperature and 80°C due to the addition of the 0.1 mass% FLG sample.