Tribological performances of cellulose nanocrystals in water‐based lubricating fluid

Abstract This work aimed to prepare and characterize cellulose nanocrystals as an additive to a water‐based lubricating fluid. Different concentrations of the cellulose nanocrystals suspensions (0.50–1.25%wt) were added to the lubricant fluid. The nanolubricants were submitted to the pin‐disk test. The rigid/severe electrodynamic lubrication regime was conducted under different rotation speeds (500 and 63 rpm) and external loads (8.47 and 1.77 N). The cellulose nanocrystals showed a high yield (74%), an aspect ratio from 23 to 35, and thermal stability at 219.0°C. The coefficient of friction increased from 4% to 97%) with the addition of the cellulose nanocrystals for the test at 500 rpm and decreased by up to 50% at 63 rpm both at 8.47 N. The wear rate reduced with increasing concentration of nanocrystals in the lubricant fluid, showing a reduction by up to 99% at 500 rpm–8.47 N compared with fluid without nanocrystals.