Nanolubricant additives

In automotive engines, it is critical that lubricating oils are able to increase fuel efficiency. The approach of nanotechnology in recent years has led to the use of nanolubricants in automotive lubrication and mechanical application applications. The use of nanolubricants is a new strategy to improve tribological characteristics and engine efficiency, which is of great importance for saving energy, diminishing harmful emissions, and increasing the life of engine components. This chapter illustrates the recent development in the area of nanolubricant additives, the dispersion stability of nanomaterials in lube oil, and the tribological and thermophysical performance of these nanoadditives. Using data from the literature, the lubrication mechanisms of nanomaterials in lube oils were discussed. This chapter also summarizes the actual engine performance lubricated by nanolubricants, particularly fuel economy and emissions. Furthermore, some key recommendations have been presented to guide future lubricant oil development. The previously published results revealed a remarkable improvement of the tribological and thermophysical properties as well as economical engines with high efficiency when nanolubricants were utilized. Hence, nanolubricants provide economical engines with high efficiency, which may be a new direction to present eco-friendly automobile engines.