A nanocopper oxide supported on montmorillonite: synthesis and characterization as a green viscosity index improver additive

Polymer nanocomposites have attracted substantial interest in the field of lubricants due to their improved properties compared to neat polymers. However, creating environmentally friendly lubricating additives with outstanding tribological qualities with higher sliding speeds under higher friction conditions remains a challenge. Therefore, the aim of this work is to develop and evaluate polymeric nanocomposite compounds, which primarily contain montmorillonite as viscosity index improver lube oil additives, at various ratios of the used polymeric nanocomposites (0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3%). This is achieved by preparing 15 samples with various ratios of 1-dodecene and acrylamide, as well as various concentrations of the prepared nanoparticles (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3%). The particle size and size distribution of nanoclay-based samples were determined by dynamic light scattering using Zeta Sizer Nano at 25 °C. The molecular structure, content, and purity of the samples were determined using FTIR and NMR spectrometer. Thermal stability was studied using thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. All of the prepared compounds were evaluated as viscosity index improvers before their rheological properties were studied. A comparison study of various other viscosity index improvers revealed that sample of 3% E12 has a Newtonian liquid behavior than commercial ones.