Analysis of Wear Behaviour of Blended Gear Oil Using Pin on Disc Experiment

Abstract

This research analysed blended palm oil and blended virgin coconut oil (VCO) as a new formulated bio lubricant utilizing pin on disc experiment. The primary objective of this project is to investigate the tribological characteristics of wear rate and coefficient of friction, as well as to examine the disc's surface morphology, following the ASTM G99 standard. The study was conducted using parameter speeds ranging from 600 rpm to 900 rpm and loads from 30 N to 60 N. Surface roughness of the disc samples was measured using a Surftest machine. The findings revealed that the lubricant with 15% Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) content had the lowest coefficient of friction, specifically at 750 rpm and a 45 N load. The base lubricant used in this study is 85W140 GL5 gear oil, which was enhanced with blends containing 15% and 30% of Palm Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil. Additionally, the oil blend with 30% Palm Oil content exhibited the lowest wear rate, observed at 600 rpm with a 45 N load. The results, which highlight the high viscosity index, unsaturated/saturated ratio, and the low wear rate and coefficient of friction of Palm Oil and VCO, suggest that these oils are promising candidates as base fluids for lubricants in future applications. This makes them viable alternatives for various industrial uses, providing stable and favorable performance characteristics.