Three-way compatibility study among Nanoparticles, Ionic Liquid, and Dispersant for potential in lubricant formulation

• Main Authors: Maurya, Upendra, Vasu, V., Kashinath, Dhurke
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Additives; Hybrid nanolubricants; Ionic Liquid; Lubricants; Three-way-interaction; Tribofilm; Tribology
• ISSN: 2214-7853; 2214-7853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2022.03.329

Lubricants are indispensable for human civilization and may consist of over half a dozen of performance additives. The overall performances of lubricants depend on the compatibility among these additives. This study explores the interesting three-way interaction among phosphonium phosphate ionic liquid, oxide nanoparticles (ZnO), and a commercial dispersant PIBSA in synthetic base oil under boundary lubrication. Generally, to enhance the colloidal stability of various non-soluble additives dispersants are used in lubricant formulation. We observed no precipitation or cloudy phase while mixing dispersant PIBSA with any of the additives, inferring no chemical reaction between these additives. Contrary to an earlier study the dispersant PIBSA was able to coexist with aprotic ILs and did not hamper the synergistic interaction between ionic liquid and nanoparticles which showed 50% wear reduction. Surface characterization techniques confirm regenerative sacrificial protective film formation on the rubbing surfaces composed of tribosintered nanoparticles and phosphate compounds (due to disintegration and chemical reaction of IL). This study gives a fundamental understanding of the interaction among ionic liquid, nanoparticles, and dispersants which may help formulate future lubricants.