Study on Friction Reduction and Photocatalytic Properties of nano-ZnO/TiO₂ Composite Lubricants

The composites of nano-TiO₂ can be used as automotive engine lubricant additives with their excellent tribological properties; however, further studies are needed to investigate their tribological properties and photocatalytic function conversion. In this study, the friction-reducing and photocatalytic properties of nano-ZnO/TiO₂ composites were successively investigated and their mechanisms were analyzed. The experimental results show that the base oil lubrication with the addition of nano-ZnO/TiO₂ composites with a mass fraction of 0.5% exhibits the most excellent friction reduction and photocatalytic properties. The results are of guiding significance for the extension of engine service life, the functional conversion of lubricants from lubricants to photocatalysts, and provide a possible way to design a new type of green lubricant.