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Minimizing of the boundary friction coefficient in automotive engines using Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticles

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Abstract

Minimizing of the boundary friction coefficient is critical for engine efficiency improvement. It is known that the tribological behavior has a major role in controlling the performance of automotive engines in terms of the fuel consumption. The purpose of this research is an experimental study to minimize the boundary friction coefficient via nano-lubricant additives. The tribological characteristics of Al2O3 and TiO2 nano-lubricants were evaluated under reciprocating test conditions to simulate a piston ring/cylinder liner interface in automotive engines. The nanoparticles were suspended in a commercially available lubricant in a concentration of 0.25 wt.% to formulate the nano-lubricants. The Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticles had sizes of 8–12 and 10 nm, respectively. The experimental results have shown that the boundary friction coefficient reduced by 35–51% near the top and bottom dead center of the stroke (TDC and BDC) for the Al2O3 and TiO2 nano-lubricants, respectively. The anti-wear mechanism was generated via the formation of protective films on the worn surfaces of the ring and liner. These results will be a promising approach for improving fuel economy in automotive.

Minimizing of the boundary friction coefficient in automotive engines using Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticles

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express their deep appreciation to the Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Automotive Components (Wuhan University of Technology) for the continuous support. M.K.A. Ali acknowledges the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) for the financial support for their PhD studies in the form of CSC grant numbers 2014GF032. M.K.A. Ali also appreciates the financial support from the Egyptian Government. We also wish to thank the various anonymous reviewers for their helpful and valuable comments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Automotive Components, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China

    Mohamed Kamal Ahmed Ali, Hou Xianjun, Ahmed Elagouz & Mohamed A. A. Abdelkareem

  2. Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Automotive Components Technology, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China

    Mohamed Kamal Ahmed Ali, Hou Xianjun, Ahmed Elagouz & Mohamed A. A. Abdelkareem

  3. Automotive and Tractors Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Minia University, El-Minia, 61111, Egypt

    Mohamed Kamal Ahmed Ali, Ahmed Elagouz & Mohamed A. A. Abdelkareem

  4. Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt

    F.A. Essa

  5. School of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China

    F.A. Essa

Authors
  1. Mohamed Kamal Ahmed Ali
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  2. Hou Xianjun
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  3. Ahmed Elagouz
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  4. F.A. Essa
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  5. Mohamed A. A. Abdelkareem
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Correspondence to Mohamed Kamal Ahmed Ali or Hou Xianjun.

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Ali, M.K.A., Xianjun, H., Elagouz, A. et al. Minimizing of the boundary friction coefficient in automotive engines using Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticles. J Nanopart Res 18, 377 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-016-3679-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-016-3679-4

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