Influence of Normal Load and Temperature on Tribological Properties of Jatropha Oil

This research investigated tribological properties of Jatropha oil (vegetable oil)to find clean, new, and renewable lubricant source of industrial applications. The study was performed utilizing a fourball tribotester, CCD camera, scanning electron microscope (SEM)and viscometer. The experiment was conducted using different normal loads (300, 400, and 500 N) and temperatures (75, 95 and 105°C). The test was followed ASTM D4172 standard. The evaluation was focused on the viscosity, flash temperature parameter, coefficient of friction, wear scar diameter and worn surface observation. All results of Jatropha oil were compared with mineral hydraulic oil to evaluate the lubricity performance of Jatropha oil. The results indicated that the Jatropha had better anti-friction and anti-wear ability than hydraulic mineral oil under various temperature and loads. In conclusion, Jatropha oil has bright possibility to be produced as commercial industrial lubricant.