Tribology Evaluation of Jatropha as a New Environmental Source of Lubricant

Abstract

Lubricant oils play an important role in manufacturing processes for reducing friction and wear between contact surface parts at different speeds, loads and temperature. The main source for lubricant oils is mineral oil, but this source is being reduced from day to day and it is a major source for environmental pollution in the world. This research as a comparative study of friction, wear and viscosity was carried out on Jatropha oil and engine oil-based commercial lubricating oil. Wear and friction were measured with four balls Tribotester and CCD camera according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard, speed (1200 rpm), load (392N) and temperature 75° C. Results show that Jatropha oil has a better condition in friction and wear instead of engine oil with base lubricant.