FULLERENES IN LUBRICANTS: IMPACT OF NANO-ADDITIVES ON THE TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF I-20A MOTOR OIL

Abstract

This article investigates the enhancement of tribological properties of I-20A motor oil through fullerene additives. Wear volume variations under 536 g and 1072 g loads are analyzed using a Timken test rig per ASTM D2782 standards. The need to optimize fullerene concentration is identified to balance competing effects. The study shows that fullerenes reduce wear by forming a protective tribofilm and acting as nano-ball bearings, with optimal concentrations of 0.196 wt% at 536 g and 0.098 wt% and 0.328 wt% at 1072 g. Low concentrations (e.g., 0.066 wt%) result in inadequate tribofilm formation, while high concentrations (e.g., 0.262 wt% and 0.392 wt%) increase wear due to agglomeration. A W-shaped trend in wear volume versus fullerene concentration reflects complex, nonlinear interactions. Precise concentration optimization is critical for specific oils and loads, requiring further research for consistent anti-wear performance.