Abstract

Background: Friction and wear are one of the major causes of failure of mechanism and machines in the field of Engineering. To overcome this problem, lubricants are provided in the engineering system. Lubricants are derived from synthetic hydrocarbon blends or mineral oils. Lubricants help to minimize friction and wear in contacting surface in order to reduce friction and minimize power loss. In certain situation, lubricants fail to satisfy their lubricating properties. In order to improve the attributes of lubricants, such as improving anti-oxidation capability, thermal properties, and tribological characteristic, a few additives can be added to the base oil.

Objective: In the field of tribology, nanotechnology offers the opportunity for improving the performance of lubricant oil using nano-additives. The addition of nanoparticles to base oil will enhance the certain characteristic of lubricant oil, such as improving friction and wear resistance, improving load carrying capacity etc. This review presents the nano-additives in the field of lubricant industry. This review covers the various nano-additives and their application in the field of lubricant industry.

Method: With a thorough review of literature in the field of tribology, nanotechnology and lubricants, various nano-additives and their advantages are discussed.

Keywords: Tribology, friction, wear, lubricants, additives, nanotechnology, nano-additives.