Investigation of the Influence of SiO2 Nanoparticles on Tribological Performance of Conventional Lube Oil on AISI 52100 Surfaces

AISI 52100, commonly referred to as bearing steel, is widely utilized in various applications where conventional lubricant oils are applied over its surface. This study delves into examining how the addition of SiO2 nanoparticles influences the tribological performance of conventional lubricating oil on AISI 52100 surfaces. The tribological behavior of the nano-lubricants is assessed using a four-ball tester. Experimental results reveal a notable impact of SiO2 nanoparticles in reducing the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear scar diameter (WSD) by 48.31 and 23.48%, respectively, thereby enhancing the overall tribological performance of the lubricant on AISI 52100 surfaces. These findings highlight the promising potential of integrating nanoparticles into conventional lubricating oils for advanced tribological applications.