Preparation of SiO₂ nanoparticles and investigation of its tribological behavior as additive in liquid paraffin

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this work is to study tribological properties of liquid paraffin with SiO 2 nanoparticles as an additive, which are made by surface-modification method. Taguchi robust designs for optimization in synthesizing SiO 2 nanoparticles by sol-gel method. Design/methodology/approach – The tribological properties of the SiO 2 nanoparticles as additive in liquid paraffin are studied by ball-on-ring wear tester to find out optimal concentration, and the mechanism of the reduction of wear and friction will be investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and atomic force microscope (AFM). Findings – Under optimal conditions identified by Taguchi robust designs method, SiO 2 nanoparticles with a narrow particle size distribution can be obtained and optimal concentrations of SiO 2 nanoparticles as additives in liquid paraffin have better properties than the pure paraffin oil. Originality/value – It is shown in the paper that by reducing friction and AW, the lubricant prepared by the methods described can prolong operating hours of machinery.