A Study of Tribological Properties of Water-Based Ceria Nanofluids

This article presents an investigation on the potential tribological properties of water-based cerium dioxide nanofluids. 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 the surfactant sorbitan monostearate. The stability of particle dispersion was studied using zeta potential measurement. Additive conglomerate size in the nanofluids was measured using dynamic light scattering. It was 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 in the tribological properties of the water-based cerium dioxide nanofluids was observed. The worn surfaces of the contact elements were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a nanotester. According to the test results, the significant reductions in the friction coefficients and antiwear properties of water-based cerium dioxide nanofluids were attributed to the deposition of nanoparticles on worn contact surfaces.