Enhanced tribological performance of transesterified corn oil biodiesel blends with CuO and TiO ₂ nanoparticles: experimental analysis on wear and friction reduction using environment friendly lubricants

Abstract The tribological characteristics of biodiesel blends containing corn oil and nanoparticles of copper oxide and titanium dioxide were examined in this study. The prepared biodiesel blends along with nanopowders are blended with 20W-40 lubricant. The aim was to explore the potential of these blends as lubricants in various mechanical systems. A pin-on-disk equipment was used to perform the tribological tests under different stresses. The optimal outcomes were achieved with the incorporation of 100 ppm CuO with BD20, which reduced the coefficient of friction by as much as 80 % and decreased the wear rate by up to 75 % in comparison to pure biodiesel. There is also a decrease in frictional force for the sample BD20 with 100 ppm CuO and pin temperature was minimum for the sample BD20. The results indicate the viability of using corn oil biodiesel mixtures containing CuO and TiO 2 nanoparticles as eco-friendly lubricants in diverse industrial applications.