Enhanced lubrication by core-shell TiO2 nanoparticles modified with gallic acid ester

Frank T. Hong, Ameneh Schneider, Mani Sarathy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) added to oils have been demonstrated to enhance engine lubrication, but sedimentation issues are barriers to their implementation. Here, we engineer TiO2 NPs with polyphenol derivatives (2-octyldodecyl gallate, ODG), not only to improve dispersion stabilities but also to introduce phenol-related tribochemical reactions. To that end, we compare dispersion and lubrication performances of ODG modified TiO2 (ODG@TiO2) NPs with unmodified ones in two base oils, polyalphaolefin and commercial engine oil. Surface analysis results reveal the triboactive role played by ODG in ODG@TiO2 NPs, which helps them to reduce more friction than with non-modified NPs, to generate thicker tribofilms, and to strengthen surface mechanical properties. Thus, we expect further explorations of polyphenol derivatives to improve NPs properties in lubricant applications.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)106263
JournalTribology International
Volume146
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 13 2020

Bibliographical note

KAUST Repository Item: Exported on 2020-10-01
Acknowledgements: The research reported in this publication was funded by the Office of Sponsored Research (OSR) at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Francesco Tutino in the Clean Combustion Research Center helped with synthesizing the surface modifying agent ODG. Dr. Sergei Lopatin in KAUST Imaging and Characterization Core Lab performed imaging of the core-shell ODG@TiO2 NPs using TEM-EELS. Dr. Long Chen in KAUST Imaging and Characterization Core Lab assisted with the experimental setup for the nanoindentation of derived tribofilms. Dr. Daliang Zhang and Dr. Nini Wei in KAUST Imaging and Characterization Core Lab characterized the cross-sectional tribofilm using TEM-EDS-FIB. Dr. Mohamed Hedhil and Dr. Nimer Wehbe in KAUST Imaging and Characterization Core Lab for carrying out the XPS analysis. We would also like to appreciate reviewers' valuable comments and suggestions.

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