Journal of Oil Palm Research Vol. 27 (4) December 2015, p. 393-402
AN ALTERNATIVE LUBRICANT: THE POTENTIAL OF DOUBLE FRACTIONATED PALM OLEIN AS A LUBRICANT FOR ENHANCED TRIBOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR USING A PIN-ON-DISK TRIBO-TESTER
The tribological behaviour of aluminium was evaluated through the processes of rubbing an SKD 11 counter under lubricated conditions using material alloy A5083 and a pin-on-disk tribotester. The wear rates and coefficient of friction of A5083 were found to increase with an applied load. When the wear rates and coefficient of friction of the sliding surface are at different sliding speeds, the wear rates and coefficient of friction will increase. Based on the results, double fractionated palm olein (DFPO) has a lower coefficient of friction compared to hydraulic oil and engine oil-SAE 40. However, DFPO showed a small wear scar diameter compared to the mineral-based oil. These differences in tribological behaviour seem to be affected by the material properties, which are responsible for the differences in tensile strength or hardness and load. The results of this study are deemed useful for material selection, besides providing insights into the understanding of the relationship among friction, wear and lubrication. The results presented herein may facilitate improvements in the future.
KEYWORDS:* Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Skudai, Johor, Malaysia. E-mail: nuralizanoorawzi@gmail.com