With the correct oil, friction losses in an engine are reduced to a minimum. This is done by taking into consideration circumstances as engine usage, ambient temperature, time of year and climate, location and engine design. The engine manufacturer usually recommends a certain type of oil to use taking these circumstances into account.
Engine oil contains additives known as friction modifiers/reducers and anti wear additives which are soluble and are used in the lubrication industry for many years now.
Off late Titanium Oxide nano particles are being researched to serve as a replacement for the ZDDP additive which are less environmental friendly, below a research study.
Although mainly used in the automotive industries, aerospace applications can use these products too with the same good results!
Excerpt from the document:
This research study investigates the tribological behaviour of titanium oxide (TiO2) nano particles as additives in mineral based multi-grade engine oil. All tests were performed under variable load and varying concentrations of nano particles in lubricating oil. The friction and wear experiments were performed using pin-on-disc tribological tester.
This study shows that mixing of TiO2 nano particles in engine oil significantly reduces the friction and wear rate and hence improves the lubricating properties of engine oil.
To continue reading see the pdf below:
Experimental Aircraft Info
