Authors: Dr.Manju Rathore, Mary singh Magdline
Abstract: This study investigates the performance of soybean oil and used frying oil blends, specifically their Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAMEs), under boundary lubrication conditions. The experimental setup involved testing these blends using a Pin-on-Disc apparatus, where a steel ball was applied against a journal bearing material sample connected to a rotating disc. The tests were conducted under various parameters, including loads of 5, 10, and 20 N, sliding velocities of 100, 300, and 500 rpm, and a sliding distance of 500 m. Surface roughness of the test samples was measured before and after each test, and wear rate was assessed through mass loss measurements, with specific wear rates (ws) calculated. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses were employed to examine the wear contact surfaces. Results demonstrated significantly lower friction coefficients (μ) in boundary lubrication conditions compared to dry (lubricant-free) conditions, highlighting the enhanced lubricating properties of the soybean oil and used frying oil blends. This research provides valuable insights into optimizing bio-based lubricants for reduced friction and wear, supporting the development of more sustainable lubrication solutions.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17863095
International Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology