The main task of this work is to study the tribological performance of nanolubricants formed by trimethylolpropane trioleate (TMPTO) base oil with magnetic nanoparticles coated with oleic acid: Fe₃O₄ of two sizes 6.3 nm and 10 nm, and Nd alloy compound of 19 nm. Coated nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via chemical co-precipitation or thermal decomposition by adsorption with oleic acid in the same step. Three nanodispersions of TMPTO of 0.015 wt% of each NP were prepared, which were stable for at least 11 months. Two different types of tribological tests were carried out: pure sliding conditions and rolling conditions (5% slide to roll ratio). With the aim of analyzing the wear by means of the wear scar diameter (WSD), the wear track depth and the volume of the wear track produced after the first type of the tribological tests, a 3D optical profiler was used. The best tribological performance was found for the Nd alloy compound nanodispersion, with reductions of 29% and 67% in friction and WSD, respectively, in comparison with TMPTO. On the other hand, rolling conditions tests were utilized to study friction and film thickness of nanolubricants, determining that Fe₃O₄ (6.3 nm) nanolubricant reduces friction in comparison to TMPTO.

Dispersions based on hexagonal boron nitride, h-BN, nanoparticles, at 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 wt.% mass concentrations, in an ester base oil composed mainly of trimethylolpropane trioleate, were investigated as potential nanolubricants. The stability of the dispersions was assessed to determine the reliability of the tribological, thermophysical and rheological measurements. Density and viscosity were measured from 278.15 to 373.15 K, while rheological behavior was analyzed at shear rates from 1 to 1000 s⁻¹ at 283.15 K. Newtonian behavior was exhibited by all nanolubricants at the explored conditions, with the exception of the highest concentration at the lowest shear rates, where possible non-Newtonian behavior was observed. Tribological tests were performed under a normal load of 2.5 N. Wear was evaluated by means of a 3D profiler, scanning electron microscopy and confocal Raman microscopy. The best tribological performance was achieved by the 0.75 wt.% nanolubricant, with reductions of 25% in the friction coefficient, 9% in the scar width, 14% in the scar depth, and 22% of the transversal area, all with respect to the neat oil. It was observed that physical protective tribofilms are created between rubbing surfaces.