Formulation of In Situ Synthesized TiO₂–Jatropha Oil Bio-Nanolubricants—A Green Alternative for Petroleum-Based Lubricant

Effective lubrication is one of the most vital aspects for desirable productivity in mechanical systems. This can be achieved through reduced friction and wear between mating components by proper lubrication. But the hazardous impact of these chemical lubricants such as petroleum-based oils on our environment cannot be disregarded. So, the consistent quest for a better alternative to these emission-causing lubricants has opened a great avenue for the practice of applying biodiesel like Jatropha oil as a lubricant. The application of nanolubricants has been reported to exhibit better tribological performances than base oils. In the present work, nano-TiO₂ particles were synthesized in situ followed by standard characterization techniques. Nano-oil samples were formulated by mixing nanoparticles (NPs) in Jatropha oil at different proportions (v/v). The stability of these dispersants was evaluated by standard methods. The nano-oil samples showed better stability, and there was no appreciable improvement in flashpoints; however, they showed significant enhancement in terms of fire points. The friction coefficient obtained from the four-ball test revealed that the addition of TiO₂ NPss improved the antifriction behavior in comparison to pure Jatropha oil (a maximum of 37.91% reduction in frictional force). Results from the test showed that the limiting pressure of seizure was improved by 43.81% compared to base oil. Environmental viability and degradation studies have also been conducted to ascertain the applicability of this TiO₂–Jatropha oil as a green fuel alternative. The corrosion inhibition capacity of the nanofluid was found to be greater than plain emulsion. The cost–benefit analysis at the end also suggests that in situ synthesis of TiO₂ nanodispersant is economically viable. (The lubricating efficiency of sustainably resourced Jatropha biolubricant was improved multifold by supplementing it with TiO₂ nanoparticles. After careful evaluation, it was observed that the nano-oil samples are biocompatible and hazardous emissions from this lubricant were low. The wear and friction inhibitory capabilities as well as the stability of this biolubricant were also enhanced. The effect of nanoparticles on the corrosion of machine parts was also studied, which is rarely focused by researchers.)