Interpretation of the wear characteristics of AISI 4140 under nano-fly ash based engine lubricant

Abstract In this present study the results for the tribo-testing of AISI 4140 steel specimens under fly ash nanoparticles based lubricating oils were interpreted. The results and graphical representation of coefficient of friction (COF) response for all the trails conducted under different sliding distance, sliding speed, load and concentration percentage of fly ash nanoparticles are presented this paper. The variation of COF with respect to sliding distance (SD) in each case was studied and discussed. Interpretation of the wear mechanism for the alloy steel with nano fly ash based lubricant was performed, using spectroscopy of the worn out sample pins of the AISI 4140 steel. The spectrum showed the formation of tribofilm due to the presence of oxygen in abundance, confirmed by the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) at all spectrums. Formation of tribofilm is the cause of the reduction in the wear in fly ash nanoparticles based lubricants. EDS results at the worn tip of the AISI 4140 sample has been discussed.