The tribological behavior of modified diamond nanoparticles in liquid paraffin

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the dispersion capacity and tribological behavior of liquid paraffin added by diamond nanoparticles.Design/methodology/approachThe structure of the modified diamond nanoparticles which are prepared by oleic acid (OA) is observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). The dispersivity of these nanoparticles in liquid paraffin is measured by nanoparticle analyzer. The tribological behavior of adding diamond nanoparticles in liquid paraffin is evaluated by using a ball‐on‐ring wear tester.FindingsThe measurement results reveal the dispersion capability of OA modified diamond nanoparticles and indicate the dispersing stability in liquid paraffin of the OA which is bonded to the surface of diamond nanoparticles through esterification. It is found from wear testing results that the diamond nanoparticle as additive in liquid paraffin at proper concentration shows better tribological properties for anti‐wear (AW) and antifriction than the pure paraffin oil and different AW ability depending on the particle size.Originality/valueIt is shown in the paper that by reducing friction and AW, the lubricant prepared by the methods described can prolong operating hours of machinery.