Synergism of the hybrid lubricants to enhanced tribological performance

Through the use of noble hybrid additives, this study seeks to assess tribological performance and enhance the lubricity of virgin Poly Alpha Olefin grade 4 (PAO 4) for the steel/bronze tribopair. Reduced graphene oxide/aluminum oxide (RGO/Al2O3) hybrid additive improves lubricity and also allows the lubricant to withstand high temperatures, pressures, and harsh environmental conditions. Extreme pressure (EP) testing is also carried out in accordance with ASTM D2783 standard. The tribological experiments employed bronze and steel contacts. A 0.2 wt% 1:1 RGO/Al2O3 lubricant reduced coefficient of friction (COF) by 91.40%, wear volume by 96%, and surface roughness by 72.6% when compared to base lubrication. In testing, a thin composite film containing GO and Al2O3 was produced, according to analysis of the worn surface. Al2O3 in the composite tribo-layer served as a load carrier and strengthened the reduced graphene oxide (RGO) layer, which reduced sliding resistance by preventing surface asperities from coming into direct contact with one another.