Tribological Investigation of Mahua Oil Based Lubricant for Maintenance Applications

Limited crude reserves, consistently rising oil prices, unsafe disposal of the harmful lubricants and its guaranteed adverse aftereffects has increased concern for replenishing the environment. Development of environmental friendly lubricants and its appropriate usage is an option of prime importance which can overcome such problems. This paper investigates the prospects of Mahua oil based lubricant for maintenance applications. Mahua oil is blended with conventional gear oil (90T) in different ratios. Tribo pair used is plain carbon steel cylindrical pin and mild steel disc . Friction and wear parameters have been studied on Pin on Disc Tester under varying conditions. Worn out pins suggests pronounced abrasive and adhesive wear pattern under boundary film lubricated conditions. Experimentation reveals that addition of mahua oil blended with 90 T oil has good wear reducing traits apart from environmental benefits.