ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Mater.
Sec. Polymeric and Composite Materials
Volume 12 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fmats.2025.1549117
Enhancing Engine Oil Performance with Graphene-Cellulose Nanoparticles: Insights into Thermophysical Properties and Tribological Behavior
Provisionally accepted
Jasem Alotaibi1
Ayedh Eid Alajmi1Kumaran Kadirgama2*
L. Samylingam3
Navid Aslfattahi4Chee Kuang Kok3D. Ramasamy2
Wan Sharuzi Wan Harun2
Veerendra A.S5
Subramaniam Sivaraos6
Belal F. Yousif7- 1Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- 2Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Gambang, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
- 3Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
- 4Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague 6, Czechia
- 5Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, Karnataka, India
- 6Technical University of Malaysia Malacca, Malacca, Malaysia
- 7University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
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This study explores the development and optimization of a novel nano lubricant by incorporating graphene-cellulose nanoparticles into SAE 10W-40 engine oil to enhance its thermophysical and tribological performance. The nano lubricants were prepared with varying concentrations (0.01%, 0.03%, and 0.05% by volume) and subjected to a comprehensive evaluation of their thermal conductivity, dynamic viscosity, and tribological properties under operational conditions. The thermal conductivity analysis demonstrated that the inclusion of graphene-cellulose nanoparticles improved heat transfer capabilities, particularly at higher concentrations, while maintaining stability over a wide temperature range (30°C-90°C). The dynamic viscosity measurements revealed a synergistic effect of graphene and cellulose, enhancing dispersion stability and lubrication characteristics, with optimal performance achieved at 0.03% concentration.Tribological testing confirmed a significant reduction in the coefficient of friction, achieving a value as low as 0.0406, demonstrating improved wear resistance. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the input parameters, providing insights into the interactions between concentration, load, speed, and temperature. The findings highlight the potential of graphene-cellulose nanocomposites as sustainable, high-performance additives for automotive lubricants, paving the way for energy-efficient and durable applications in the automotive and industrial sectors.
Keywords: tribology, Graphene, nanocellulose, Engine oil, thermophysical properties
Received: 20 Dec 2024; Accepted: 15 Apr 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Alotaibi, Eid Alajmi, Kadirgama, Samylingam, Aslfattahi, Kok, Ramasamy, Wan Harun, A.S, Sivaraos and Yousif. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Kumaran Kadirgama, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Gambang, 26300, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.