Tribological properties of nano-sized ZrO2 ceramic particles in automotive lubricants

The demand for decreasing CO2-emission and harmful material content of the exhaust gas passenger cars requires improvement entire powertrain including applied lubricants. One possible future engines lubricant can be nano-sized ceramic particles, which provide positive tribological properties also in presence nonmetallic surface materials. This paper presents experimental investigation ZrO2 nanoceramic powder as a additive. performance samples was experimentally investigated on ball-on-disc translation tribometer. An optimum concentration found at 0.4 wt%, where wear scar diameter ball specimen reduced by more than 40% compared to reference sample. SEM-analysis confirmed mending mechanism theory: nanoparticles were revealed aggregate between asperities resulting significantly smoother contact surface.