Based on the response surface methodology, a rheological and tribological study carried
out on eco-friendly lubricants is described. Such ecolubricants consisted of fibrillated or crystalline
nanocellulose in vegetable oil (castor oil, high oleic sunflower oil or their mixtures). Cellulose
nanoparticles showed noticeable friction-reducing and anti-wear properties within the boundary
and mixed lubrication regimes, which were found to be dependent on nanocellulose concentration,
base oil composition and applied normal force. In general, both types of nanocellulose performed
equally well. An excellent tribological performance, with large wear scar diameter reductions, was
achieved with 3.3 wt.% (or higher) nanocellulose dispersions in castor oil-rich mixtures. The observed
behavior was explained on the basis of enhanced viscosity of castor oil-rich suspensions and the
preferential action of the most polar components, nanocellulose and ricinoleic acid, in the vicinity of
the contact surfaces.
Thesis Collection
Last Deposit
