This study focuses on the influence of local moringa oil on the performances of lubricants obtained from a blend of dodecane and pristine or fluorinated carbon nanofibers at ambient temperature. The friction experiments have been evaluated using a reciprocating ball on a plane tribometer. Moringa oil is used as a bio-additive in lubricant formulations. First, the addition of a small amount of moringa oil to dodecane allowed a reduction of about 50% of the base oil friction performances. Second, a comparative study on the friction properties of their blends with pristine carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and fluorinated ones (CF0.85) was investigated, based on which they were intended to be used as solid lubricant additives. An adsorption effect of fatty acid molecules is observed in CNFs particles unlike CF0.85. Whatever was the percentage of moringa oil added, more promising results were obtained with CF0.85. Physicochemical characterizations of the tribofilms evidence the good antiwear properties of the lubricants.
Many researches are focused on the tribological performances of pure vegetable oil in order to replace the conventional mineral engine oils. This work investigates the influence of local moringa oil (noted VO) on the performances of lubricants formed from a blend of dodecane and graphite particles at ambient temperature. In a first part, a reduction of about 50% of friction properties of dodecane is observed when adding small amounts of moringa oil (VO), which is intended to be used as a bio-base performance additive in lubricant formulations. The friction properties of their blends with graphite, generally employed as solid lubricant additive, showed an adsorption effect of fatty acid molecules. The more promising results were obtained for the blend containing 2 w% of VO. Physicochemical characterizations of the tribofilms evidence the good antiwear properties of the lubricant.
Vegetable oils in the lubricant field are largely studied. Their efficiency depends on their viscosity parameters and their fatty acid composition. The actions of moringa oil used as a lubricant base and as a lubricant additive have been shown in this work. Graphite, carbon nanofibers, and carbon nanodots are carbon phases of different shapes used as solid additives. The tribological performances of lubricant blends composed of between 0.5 and 1 wt.% of particles have been evaluated using a ball-on-plane tribometer under an ambient atmosphere. No additional surfactant was used. The positive and important actions of a small amount of moringa oil added in the lubricant formulas are demonstrated. The results obtained allow us to point out the influence of the type and shape of particles. Physicochemical investigations allow us to propose a synergistic effect between the particles and moringa oil as additives in dodecane.
Due to growing environmental challenges, many studies are focusing on vegetable-based lubricants. Industrial lubricants pose a significant risk to the environment and human health. The tribological performances of calophyllum calaba (galba) and avocado when used as a base oil and as a liquid additive were compared to those of moringa oil. The different lubricant formulations were investigated under an ambient atmosphere, using a reciprocating ball-on-plane tribometer in a boundary lubrication regime. Graphite particles were used as solid lubricant additives due to their excellent friction performances in these formulations. Dodecane was the mineral oil used as a reference and base oil in some lubricant formulations. It was found that the percentage used and the fatty acid molecule composition of vegetable oils have an important influence on the tribological performances of the different formulations. The presence of oleic acid molecules shows a positive effect but is not sufficient to explain the friction reduction obtained with moringa oil. The triglyceride shape of an oleic acid molecule is the key to an important friction reduction, despite the small amount (2 wt% as liquid additive) in lubricant formulations.
In Caribbean islands, the washing ashore of tons of pelagic Sargassum spp., consisting of two species Sargassum fluitans and Sargassum natans, has been regularly occurring since 2011. As green lubrication is a growing trend in the tribology industry, biochar is a promising alternative. Sargassum biochars, produced from Sargassum pelagic algae, are therefore being studied as solid lubricants. This study aims to explore their potential applications. Biochars from brown algae were pyrolyzed at 400 °C and then annealed at different temperatures (from 600 °C to 1500 °C). The Raman spectra collected on the different biochars showed that there was a structural organization of the biochars as the temperature increased. The tribologic properties of the biochars were studied and compared to a solid lubricant reference (exfoliated graphite). Raman spectroscopy analysis revealed a progressive structural reorganization with increasing temperature, leading to a 58% reduction in the coefficient of friction. The morphology and the structure of the tribofilm are investigated by profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman microspectrometry. Overall, these results can be considered as a first step for utilizing the biochar derived from brown algae Sargassum sp. as an additive in the lubricant industry, for the purpose of emission reduction.