An Experimental Investigation of the Impact of Additive Concentration on the Tribological Performance of Castor Oil Lubrication in Piston Ring–Cylinder Liner Contact

This experimental study investigates the critical role and impact of additive concentration in enhancing the tribological performance of castor oil as a biolubricant for agricultural tractor engines. Friction and wear are major contributors to reduced engine efficiency, highlighting the need for eff...

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Main Authors: Wasihun Diriba Keno, Ádám Kalácska, Dieter Fauconnier, Venkata Ramayya Ancha, Patrick De Baets
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Lubricants
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4442/13/5/206
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author Wasihun Diriba Keno
Ádám Kalácska
Dieter Fauconnier
Venkata Ramayya Ancha
Patrick De Baets
author_facet Wasihun Diriba Keno
Ádám Kalácska
Dieter Fauconnier
Venkata Ramayya Ancha
Patrick De Baets
author_sort Wasihun Diriba Keno
collection DOAJ
description This experimental study investigates the critical role and impact of additive concentration in enhancing the tribological performance of castor oil as a biolubricant for agricultural tractor engines. Friction and wear are major contributors to reduced engine efficiency, highlighting the need for effective lubrication strategies. While biolubricants like castor oil offer environmental benefits, they often require additives to achieve optimal performance. However, the concentration of these additives is crucial, as an imbalance can negatively impact the lubrication system, leading to a higher coefficient of friction, increased wear, and reduced engine efficiency and lifespan. This study examines the effects of varying concentrations of a mixture of propyl gallate (PG) and ionic liquid (IL) additives on the tribological performance of castor oil. The tribological behaviour of lubricated top compression piston ring and cylinder liner samples was evaluated under simulated engine conditions using a Bruker UMT Tribolab test rig, in accordance with the ASTM G181 standard. The experimental results revealed an influence of additive concentration on the coefficient of friction and wear behaviour. This emphasises the importance of optimising additive formulations to minimise engine wear and friction. Notably, a 0.5% volume concentration of the additive mixture led to a remarkable 34.8% reduction in the average coefficient of friction (COF) and a lower wear rate.
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spelling doaj-art-5a26fc0d366b4935b64409dc124a97012025-08-20T02:33:54ZengMDPI AGLubricants2075-44422025-05-0113520610.3390/lubricants13050206An Experimental Investigation of the Impact of Additive Concentration on the Tribological Performance of Castor Oil Lubrication in Piston Ring–Cylinder Liner ContactWasihun Diriba Keno0Ádám Kalácska1Dieter Fauconnier2Venkata Ramayya Ancha3Patrick De Baets4Soete Laboratory, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, BelgiumSoete Laboratory, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, BelgiumSoete Laboratory, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, BelgiumFaculty of Mechanical Engineering, Jimma University, Jimma P.O. Box 378, EthiopiaSoete Laboratory, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, BelgiumThis experimental study investigates the critical role and impact of additive concentration in enhancing the tribological performance of castor oil as a biolubricant for agricultural tractor engines. Friction and wear are major contributors to reduced engine efficiency, highlighting the need for effective lubrication strategies. While biolubricants like castor oil offer environmental benefits, they often require additives to achieve optimal performance. However, the concentration of these additives is crucial, as an imbalance can negatively impact the lubrication system, leading to a higher coefficient of friction, increased wear, and reduced engine efficiency and lifespan. This study examines the effects of varying concentrations of a mixture of propyl gallate (PG) and ionic liquid (IL) additives on the tribological performance of castor oil. The tribological behaviour of lubricated top compression piston ring and cylinder liner samples was evaluated under simulated engine conditions using a Bruker UMT Tribolab test rig, in accordance with the ASTM G181 standard. The experimental results revealed an influence of additive concentration on the coefficient of friction and wear behaviour. This emphasises the importance of optimising additive formulations to minimise engine wear and friction. Notably, a 0.5% volume concentration of the additive mixture led to a remarkable 34.8% reduction in the average coefficient of friction (COF) and a lower wear rate.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4442/13/5/206IC enginelubricationadditive concentrationcastor oilfrictionwear
spellingShingle Wasihun Diriba Keno
Ádám Kalácska
Dieter Fauconnier
Venkata Ramayya Ancha
Patrick De Baets
An Experimental Investigation of the Impact of Additive Concentration on the Tribological Performance of Castor Oil Lubrication in Piston Ring–Cylinder Liner Contact
Lubricants
IC engine
lubrication
additive concentration
castor oil
friction
wear
title An Experimental Investigation of the Impact of Additive Concentration on the Tribological Performance of Castor Oil Lubrication in Piston Ring–Cylinder Liner Contact
title_full An Experimental Investigation of the Impact of Additive Concentration on the Tribological Performance of Castor Oil Lubrication in Piston Ring–Cylinder Liner Contact
title_fullStr An Experimental Investigation of the Impact of Additive Concentration on the Tribological Performance of Castor Oil Lubrication in Piston Ring–Cylinder Liner Contact
title_full_unstemmed An Experimental Investigation of the Impact of Additive Concentration on the Tribological Performance of Castor Oil Lubrication in Piston Ring–Cylinder Liner Contact
title_short An Experimental Investigation of the Impact of Additive Concentration on the Tribological Performance of Castor Oil Lubrication in Piston Ring–Cylinder Liner Contact
title_sort experimental investigation of the impact of additive concentration on the tribological performance of castor oil lubrication in piston ring cylinder liner contact
topic IC engine
lubrication
additive concentration
castor oil
friction
wear
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4442/13/5/206
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