Study of friction reduction by nanocopper additives to motor oil

Nanoscale copper powder has been produced using such an energetic method as the electric explosion of metallic wire (EEW 'process) in an inert gas. The crystalline structure of nanoparticles has been characterized by HRTEM and particle size distribution has been measured. The nanopowder has been added to motor oil and friction coefficient measured to compare with that of pure oil. SEM characterization of the worn surfaces and X-ray microanalysis have been performed to reveal both changes in topology of the worn surfaces and traces of copper. 2002 Elsevier Science B.V All rights reserved.