Viscosity of graphene in lubricating oil, ethylene glycol and glycerol

Abstract

This paper reports the results of an experimental investigation of graphene particle suspensions in lubricating oil, ethylene glycol and glycerol-based fluids. Graphene particles of different specific surface area show variation in the viscosity depending on the shear rate and the temperature. The lubricating effect, e.g., reduction in the viscosity compared to the base fluid, is observed for the concentration (below 0.4 mass%) in lubricating oil and glycerol. In the range of parameters studied (e.g., concentration below 1 mass% and temperature up to 80 °C), the activation energy slightly decreases. The enhancement of viscosity with graphene volume fraction is larger for ethylene glycol. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2023, Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary.