Hematite Nanoparticle Synthesis and Its Tribological and Rheological Performance as a Lubricating Oil

Mustafa H. Flayyih; Mustafa R. Fahad; Haider J. Saiwan

doi:10.52716/jprs.v16i2.1180

Authors

Mustafa H. Flayyih Petroleum Research and Development Center, Ministry of Oil, Baghdad, Iraq.
Mustafa R. Fahad Petroleum Research and Development Center, Ministry of Oil, Baghdad, Iraq.
Haider J. Saiwan Petroleum Research and Development Center, Ministry of Oil, Baghdad, Iraq.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52716/jprs.v16i2.1180

Keywords:

Nano hematite, Base Oil, Nano-Lubricating oil, Surface Modification, Tribology and Rheology

Abstract

Friction refers to the resistive forces generated between surfaces in relative motion. In engines, the primary sources of frictional losses are sliding and rotating components. The addition of nanoparticles to lubricating oils at an optimal concentration can effectively reduce the coefficient of friction and enhance overall lubrication performance. This research aims to synthesize hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles using the co-precipitation method and evaluate their tribological and rheological performance as additives in 40-stock base oil to enhance its lubricating properties. Ferric chloride (FeCl₃) and ammonia solution were used as precursor and precipitating agents, respectively. The effect of the cationic surfactant CTAB on particle size and distribution was also studied. The synthesized samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), nitrogen adsorption (BET), and the Timken tester for load-carrying capacity.

The results confirmed the successful formation of uniform nanoparticles with sizes 25 nm. The use of CTAB increased the surface area and reduced the particle size. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis revealed that the nanoparticles exhibited ferromagnetic behavior. When added at an optimal concentration of 0.01 wt.%, the nano-hematite significantly improved the base oil’s load-carrying capacity by 92% and reduced wear. However, at higher concentrations, particle agglomeration negatively affected the performance. The findings demonstrate the potential of nano-hematite as an efficient and sustainable additive for lubricating oils, contributing to improved mechanical performance and energy efficiency.

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