Multifunctional nanofluids with 2D nanosheets for thermal and tribological management

Development of multifunctional nanofluids for applications such as thermal management and lubrication is very essential for the advancement of many energy efficient modern industries. Here, we demonstrate the tribological improvement of two dimensional (2D) atomic sheets, such as hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and graphene (G), reinforced mineral oils over bare mineral oil, which was proven earlier by its better thermal performance. Latter, thermal and tribological properties of dielectric and metal-cutting lubricants reinforced with h-BN and G were investigated with a detailed study on their viscosity variation with temperature and nanofiller concentration. Two different tribological tests were performed for coefficient of friction and wear studies, namely ITEePib Polish method, and ASTM D5183. Results from these methods are compared and they show in agreement with each other. Tribological tests showed that the addition of nanofillers, even in small filler fraction, resulted in to a significant decrease in the wear scar and friction coefficient along with a huge enhancement in thermal performance. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.