Tribological properties of the synthesis of Cu-BTA composite nanoparticles via the thermal decomposition application in lubricants

This project investigated the tribological properties of Cu-benzotriazole (BTA) composite nanoparticles as lubricant additives. BTA functions as a stabilizer for the Cu nanoparticles and as a protector from oxidation of the Cu nanoparticles in various test circumstances. Tribological experiments were conducted using a pin-on-disk (ASTM G99) test for the wear scar diameter, friction coefficient, and morphology of worn surfaces. Furthermore, the dispersivity of these Cu-BTA nanoparticles in liquid paraffin oil was measured using a UV/VIS spectrophotometer. The experiment results revealed the dispersion capability of the benzotriazole-capped Cu nanoparticles and indicated the dispersing stability in liquid paraffin oil for the BTA-capped surface of Cu nanoparticles. The testing results demonstrate that the Cu-BTA nanoparticle used as an additive in liquid paraffin oil at an appropriate concentration exhibits better tribological properties than those of pure paraffin oil. Moreover, Cu-BTA functioning as an additive has different anti-wear abilities due to its small size effect. Finally, the repair ability of Cu-BTA nanoparticles on the worn surfaces was observed using SEM and EDS.