Performance enhancement in tribological properties of lubricants by dispersing TiO2 nanoparticles

Abstract Nano-lubricants have attracted many investigators since past decade due to their better anti-wear and friction reducing abilities. Still a major challenge lies in preparation of stable nano-lubricants with uniform nanoparticles suspension. In research studies synthesis of nanoparticle, preparation of nano-lubricants, characterization, and their performance are generally reported. Every single study has reported the enhancement in tribological capabilities of the nano-lubricants. TiO2 nanoparticle based nano-lubricants are specially focused which are either used after surface modification with acids or directly dispersed in base oil. Nano-lubricants with water and paraffin oil as base lubricant is rarest and common respectively. Several hybrid combination of nano-particles with TiO2 have also proved to be efficient. What further challenges is the optimization of the nano-lubricants performances with better stability and less preparation cost. No mathematical model yet exists to predict the properties and tribological behavior of the nano-lubricants.