Tribological Performance Investigation of a Commercial Engine Oil Incorporating Reduced Graphene Oxide as Additive

We investigated the tribological behavior of commercialized, fully synthetic engine oil upon the incorporation of reduced graphene oxide in seven different concentrations between 0.01 and 0.2 wt %. Stability of the prepared samples was assessed by turbidimetry and dynamic light scattering measurements, and their tribological properties through a reciprocating tribometer, using a steel ball on special cut steel blocks. The addition of 0.02 wt % of reduced graphene oxide led to an improvement of the tribological behavior compared to the pristine engine oil, by significantly lowering the friction coefficient by 5% in the boundary lubrication regime. Both the surfaces and the reduced graphene oxide additive were thoroughly characterized by microscopic and optical spectroscopy techniques. We also verified that a protective layer was formed between the worn surfaces, due to the presence of reduced graphene oxide. Carbon accumulation and various additive elements such as Ca, Zn, S and P were detected on the rubbing surfaces of both the ball and the block through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Finally, it was shown that the wear scar diameter on the surface of the steel ball was lower by 3%, upon testing the engine oil sample containing reduced graphene oxide at concentration 0.02 wt %, compared to the control sample.