Development and tribological characteristics of bio-based lubricant from Jatropha curcas oil

This paper outlines the tribological characteristics of Jatropha oil (JO)-contaminated bio-lubricant by using a pin-on-disc tribometer. To formulate the bio-lubricants, JO was blended at the ratios 15, 30, and 50% by volume with the base lubricant SAE 20 W 40. The tribological characteristics of these blends were carried out at 3.8 m/s sliding velocity and 50, 100, and 150 N load were applied. Experimental results showed that the lubrication regime that occurred during the test was boundary lubrication whereas the main wear mechanisms were abrasive and adhesive wear. During testing, the lowest wear was found with the addition of 15% JO, and above this contamination, the wear rate was increased considerably. With increase in load, viscosity of all the bio-lubricants increases and meets the ISO VG 100 requirement at 40 degrees C except for JB 50. The addition of JO in the base lubricant acted as a very good lubricant additive, which reduced the friction and wear scar diameter during the test. It has been concluded that JB 15 can act as an alternative lubricant to increase the mechanical efficiency at 3.8 m/s sliding velocity and contribute in reducing the dependence on petroleum-based products.