Extreme pressure properties of multi-component oil-based nanofluids

Multi-component oil-based nanofluids were prepared by dispersing two different carbons and silver nanoparticles in lubricating oil; then, their tribological properties were investigated using a four-ball tribotester and FZG machine. Each nanofluid demonstrated excellent wear resistance or extreme pressure (EP) properties, but not both properties simultaneously. Therefore, a new concept of a mixed nanofluid was developed to satisfy the wear and EP properties. The multi-component mixed nanofluids containing graphite and Ag nanoparticles not only demonstrated enhanced load carrying and anti-wear properties, but also reduced the electric power consumption by more than 4.8% compared with the base oil in the FZG test.