Nanoparticles The Next Big Advancement In Oil?

oldmodman

Well-Known Member
Established Member
Joined
Jun 27, 2003
Messages
16,543
Location
West Los Angeles
I just read an article about them on Keller-Hearts website.

The main thing that was determined in testing is that the addition of the nanoparticles improved the heat conductivity of the oil by 17%. That's a 17% smaller chance of heat damage to bearings and a reduction of heat in our pistons. When will it be available and what will it cost?

Here is the article from their web site.
http://blog.kellerheartt.com/2016/0...ent=blog_readmore&utm_campaign=blast_20160526

How Nanoparticles Are Changing the Future of Motor Oil
Thursday, May 26, 2016

Over the past several years, lubrication engineers have been hard at work researching a new method to improve the standard of commercial motor oils. Tribologists, the scientists that study the interaction between surfaces in movement, are thinking big by turning to a tiny hero that can protect metal surfaces and increase oil efficiency. These tiny agents are called nanoparticles—but tiny is an understatement. Nanoparticles are between one and 100 nanometers. To put that into perspective, a human hair is roughly 100,000 nanometers wide.
Despite their size, nanoparticles make a big impact. In regards to motor oil, engineers are studying the lubricating properties of spherical nanoparticles made up of carbon and other chemical compounds. These particles are added to conventional motor oil, and the modified oil’s performance is compared to the traditional formula. Scientists have found that increasing the concentration of nanoparticles in motor oil improves performance by reducing friction, minimizing heat build-up, and ultimately saving energy.
Nanoparticles work for a couple reasons. First, the spherical particles act as ball bearings between surfaces, generating a smooth, rolling movement that produces less friction. When there is a lower friction coefficient, less energy is wasted in the process. Secondly, many nanoparticles have superior heat conductivity properties. Malaysian scientists recently found that adding just 0.01% of graphene nanoflakes to a conventional oil’s mass improved thermal conductivity by 17%. Graphene, however, is only one of many types of nanoparticles tested. Other studies have involved copper, titanium oxide, and tungsten disulfide nanopowders. These compounds were also found to be helpful in reducing wear and friction while providing a protective layer to metal surfaces like steel and aluminum.
If such a small amount of nanopowder can go such a long way, these minuscule compounds could potentially take the place of certain additives that are already used in the market. Their lubricating properties, and the financial implications that these properties have for manufacturers and consumers, means that major changes may be ahead for the production of motor oils.
 

WutApex

Wut Apex!?!
Established Member
Joined
Feb 14, 2004
Messages
1,805
Location
Colorado
Nanoparticles are one of the selling points of Millers Oils which is why I was asking about them a couple threads down from this one. Sounds, at least from my uneducated view, that it could be beneficial especially in a racing environment.
 

Users who are viewing this thread



Top