Tribo-Dynamic Analysis of Nano-Enhanced Palm Blend Lubricant for Roller Bearing Application

Environmental concerns have led to an increase in the development of bio-lubricants during the last ten years. Many tribological studies address the findings of various types of bio-based lubricant performance derived from plant-based edible and non-edible oils in different operating conditions. However, those tribological tests were limited to workbench tribometers. In the present work, experimental investigations were carried out to evaluate the lubrication performance of functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (FMWCNTs) blended palm oil compared to mineral oil. Steel bearings are commonly used to minimize the effect of dynamic loads coming from the driven end in sliding/rolling conditions of the bearing. The wear severity on the bearing surfaces was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The results of the 3D-optical profilometer provided detailed information on surface profiles and roughness created on bearing surfaces under machine operating conditions. FFT-bearing vibration results were correlated with the surface degradation study of SEM analysis. Zeta-potential values reveal that the nanomaterial showed stable performance in the lubricant for 80% of the total machine operating duration. Overall, experimental studies indicate that the tribological and vibration response of nanomaterial blended bio-oil-lubricated bearing exhibited better results than that of mineral oil-lubricated bearings.