Tribological performance of rice husk ceramic particles as a solid additive in liquid paraffin

•The tribological behavior of RHC particles as a functional additive in LP was investigated.•RHC particles can obviously enhance lubrication property of LP at 75 and 100 °C.•The high temperature ensures RHC particles in the formation of boundary lubrication film.

Rice husk ceramic (RHC) particles were prepared and its effect on the lubrication performance of liquid paraffin (LP) was investigated using a four-ball tribometer to expand the comprehensive utilization of rice husk. The wear and friction mechanisms of RHC particles were also investigated. Results showed that RHC particles can strengthen the antiwear and friction reduction properties of LP in the presence of 2 wt% polyisobutylene succinimide (T154A) at 75 or 100 °C. The friction and wear mechanisms of RHC particles were ascribed to high temperature, which ensures the involvement of RHC particles in the formation of boundary lubrication film.