Synthesis of monodispersed ZnAl2O4 nanoparticles and their tribology properties as lubricant additives

Monodispersed spherical zinc aluminate spinel (ZnAl2O4) nanoparticles were synthesized via a solvothermal method and modified by oleic acid in cyclohexanol solution. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and infrared spectrum (IR). The dispersion ability of nanoparticles in lubricant oil was measured with optical absorbance spectrum. The results show that the modified nanoparticles are nearly monodispersed and can stably disperse in lubricant oil. The tribological properties of the ZnAl2O4 nanoparticles as an additive in lubricant oil were evaluated with four-ball test and thrust-ring test. For comparison, ZnO and Al2O3 nanoparticles as additive in lubricant oil were also tested respectively. The results show that ZnAl2O4 nanoparticles exhibit better tribology properties in terms of anti-wear and anti-friction than ZnO or Al2O3 nanoparticles. The anti-friction and anti-wear mechanisms were discussed and the lubricating effect of ZnAl2O4 nanoparticles can be attributed to nano-bearings effect and tribo-sintering mechanism.

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► The preparation of ZnAl2O4 nanoparticles was realized by hydrothermal method.
► After surface modification, ZnAl2O4 nanoparticles of narrow size distribution can disperse in lubricating oil stably.
► The modified ZnAl2O4 nanoparticles as lubricating oil additives exhibit good tribology properties.