Effect of mechanical factors on tribological properties of palm oil methyl ester blended lubricant

The effects of mechanical factors viz. applied load and temperature on the tribological performance of 5% palm oil methyl ester (POME) blended lubricant were studied using a steel–cast iron pair. Wear and frictional measurements were made using a stationary steel ball and a reciprocating cast iron plate in a modified universal wear and friction testing machine. The test conditions were contact pressure, 400 MPa; mean contact velocity, 0.34 m/s; reciprocating stroke, 80 mm; loads, 100–1100 N (fixed temperature); and temperature, 40–140°C (fixed load). Wear scar surfaces were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to understand the wear mechanisms involved. Analysis of post bench test lubricating oils was performed using an ISL viscometer and TAN/TBN analyzers to investigate the lubricating oil degradation properties.