A Study of Tribological Properties of Water-Based Ceria Nanofluids

This paper presents an investigation on the potential tribological properties of the water-based cerium dioxide nanofluids. The nanofluids with different nanoparticle concentrations were prepared in a materials laboratory. A stable dispersion of nanoparticles in the fluids was achieved with an appropriate percentage of surfactant sorbitan monostearate. The stability of particle dispersion was studied using a Zeta-potential measuring device. Additive conglomerate size in the nanofluids was measured using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) device. It has been observed that the dispersibility of nanoparticles played an important role in the frictional properties of the nanofluids. The tribological properties of the water-based nanofluids were evaluated using a Pin-on-disc tester under different loading conditions. A significant improvement on tribological properties of the water-based cerium dioxide nanofluids was observed. The worn surfaces of the contact elements were characterised using SEM and a Nano-tester. According to the test results, the significant reductions of the friction coefficient and the anti-wear property of water-based cerium dioxide nanofluids are attributed to the deposition of nanoparticles on worn contact surfaces.