Synthesis and Characterization of TiO₂-Based Nano-Composites and its Effect on Engine Oil Viscosity

The present study describes the synthesis and characterization of TiO₂ nanoparticles, TiO₂ conjugated composites with Multi Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT), Sodium Dodecyl-Sulfate (SDS), and Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB) and its effect on engine oil viscosity. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and (UV-VIS) spectroscopy were used to characterize the synthesized nanomaterials. Prepared nanoparticles were mixed with 50 ml of 15W40 engine lubricant oil. The ultra-sonication instrument was used for even dispersion of the nanoparticles with the engine oil. The intent was to determine the influence of nanoparticles on viscosity characterization of oil at different temperature. The dynamic and kinematic viscosity of various combinations of suspended nanoparticle-lubricant combinations is measured using a redwood viscometer at three temperatures (34 °C, 44 °C, and 54 °C). Test revealed the following important observation: Bare TiO₂ nano particles increased the viscosity of base oil, while TiO₂ treated with CTAB, SDS and MWCNT decreased the viscosity of base oil up to 27% in cases considered.