Performance of polymeric viscosity improver as bio-lubricant additives
International Journal of Structural Integrity
ISSN: 1757-9864
Article publication date: 17 July 2019
Issue publication date: 23 September 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of polymeric viscosity improver on the tribological performance of palm kernel methyl ester (PKME).
Design/methodology/approach
Tribological performances of the PKME added with the various concentration of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) were evaluated using four-ball tribotester under extreme pressure condition. The morphologies of the worn surfaces were observed by using the optical microscope.
Findings
The addition of polymeric viscosity improver (EVA copolymer) has produced positive results towards the tribological properties of PKME. In total, 4 per cent of EVA copolymer is found as the optimum concentration by improving the friction reducing properties and anti-wear behaviour due to the formation of film thickness between two rubbing surfaces.
Originality/value
This work might contribute to the development of vegetable oils as a new source of environmental-friendly lubricant.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express their thanks to the RMC of UTM for the Research Grant, GUP (17H96, 15J28, 20H29), TDR Grant (05G23), FRGS Grant (5F074, 5F057), School of Mechanical Engineering, UTM and Ministry of Higher Education for their support.
Citation
Dandan, M.A., Samion, S., Azman, N.F., Mohd Zawawi, F., Abdul Hamid, M.K. and Musa, M.N. (2019), "Performance of polymeric viscosity improver as bio-lubricant additives", International Journal of Structural Integrity, Vol. 10 No. 5, pp. 634-643. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSI-04-2019-0028
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited