Abstract
The tribological response of bio-oil derived from Spirulina algae has been assessed, according to the choice of catalyst during esterification. The bio-oil was upgraded over the selected catalysts of KF/HZSM-5 and KF/AlO with ethanol. Physical and chemical properties were assessed throughout with the crystal structure of the catalysts was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), chemical groups and components of the bio-oil by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS). Tribological experiments were conducted using a bespoke piston ring-on-cylinder liner tribometer. Worn surfaces were observed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and the elemental contents and valences were tested by X-ray Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). It is shown that choice of catalyst used during the upgrading of the bio-oil has a significant effect on tribological performance. Catalytic esterification improved friction resistance and the anti-wear properties of the bio-oil. KF/AlO was a better catalyst for doing this than KF/HZSM, a result of the ester and organic groups present in the KF/AlO upgraded bio-oil. These groups acted to form a protective tribo-film between surfaces.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 93-100 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Wear |
| Volume | 311 |
| Issue number | 1-2 |
| Early online date | 8 Jan 2014 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 15 Mar 2014 |
Keywords
- Spirulina algae
- Catalytic esterification
- Piston ring/cylinder linear
- Sliding wear
- Tribochemistry