Tribological behavior of polyalphaolefin with the addition of nickel nanoparticles

This paper studies the influence of addition of 20 nm diameter nickel nanoparticles on the tribological behavior of synthetic oil (polyalphaolefin, PAO6). A TE53SLIM tribometer (block-on-ring configuration) for testing at medium loads and a four-ball machine (ASTM D2783) were used in this research. Wear surfaces were analyzed by SEM and EDS. The study leads to the conclusion that the addition of nickel nanoparticles to PAO6 results in a decrease in friction and wear and an increase in the load-carrying capacity of base oil. This tribological behavior is closely related to the deposition of nanoparticles on the rubbing surfaces.

Research Highlights
► The main findings of this work were that addition of nickel nanoparticles to PAO6 decreases friction and wear and increases the load-carrying capacity of base oil.
► This tribological behavior is closely related to the deposition of nanoparticles on the rubbing surfaces.
► These findings are very important for the formulation of lubricants using nanoparticles as additives.