Synthesis and tribological studies of nanoparticle additives for pyrolysis bio-oil formulated as a diesel fuel

Yufu Xu*, Yubin Peng, Xiaojing Zheng, Karl D. Dearn, Hongming Xu, Xianguo Hu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)
361 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The tribological behaviour of pyrolysis bio-oil with a synthesized nano-Lanthanum oxide (La<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf>) additive was evaluated using a point contact four ball tribometer under different frictional conditions. Results were compared against a micro (μ)-La<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf> additive and an un-additised bio-oil as a control. The results show that nano-La<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf> impregnated bio-oil had better tribological properties than the control groups. Under the operating loads, the optimum nanoparticle concentration within the bio-oil was investigated. At these levels, the combined action of adsorbed bio-oil films on the worn surfaces and the bearing effects of the nano-La<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf> minimized friction and wear. The tribo-mechanisms were ascribed to adhesive wear as a result of lubrication starvation under high loads, and abrasive wear at high rotational speeds as a result of combined deformation and aggregation of the nano-La<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf> particles.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)80-88
Number of pages9
JournalEnergy
Volume83
Early online date20 Mar 2015
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2015

Keywords

  • Alternative fuel
  • Lubricity
  • Nano-La2O3
  • Nanoparticle
  • Pyrolysis bio-oil

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy(all)
  • Pollution

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