Development of SiO2 nanolubrication system to be used in sliding bearings

New technology using nanoparticles as an additive in lubricants is recently becoming an attractive topic of study. The performance of SiO2 nanoparticles in the lubrication system is investigated. Tests were conducted for nanolubrication mixing ratios of 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, and 0.8 wt% with plain bearings rotated by a 2,750-rpm high-speed motor. For each mixing ratio, the frictional temperature and wear rate of the rotating sliding bearings were recorded and compared. During surface testing, the surface roughness values of the sliding bearings were compared and the results showed an improvement in surface roughness after the tests. According to the outcome, the optimum tribological performance of nanolubricant was obtained at 0.5 wt% mixing ratio.