Evaluation of the tribological performance of the green hBN nanofluid on the friction characteristics of AISI 316L stainless steel

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of new green hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanofluid on AISI 316L stainless friction coefficient, wear resistance and wear using a ball on disc tester. Design/methodology/approach Nanofluids were prepared by adding hBN nanoparticles with two-step method to the vegetable-based oil at 0.50 vol%. Before the experiments, hBN nanofluid viscosity, pH and thermal conductivity specifications were determined. Friction tests of AISI 316L stainless steel were performed under 2 N, 5 N and 8 N loads at 400 rpm using a ball-on-disc test device under dry, oil and hBN conditions. Coefficient of friction, wear profile, surface integrity and wear mechanisms were chosen as performance criteria. Findings The friction coefficient values obtained under the oil and hBN test conditions with the 8 N load were, respectively, 72.46% and 77.64% lower than those obtained under dry test conditions. hBN nanofluid performed better on surface topography, and especially wear, compared to the dry and oil test conditions. Practical implications The aim of this study was to determine the best tribological performance of the hBN nanofluid on AISI 316L stainless steel used in orthopedic applications. Originality/value The paper is a study investigating the effect of hBN nanoparticle additive in vegetable-based oil on friction and wear performance of AISI 316L stainless steel. It is an original paper and is not published elsewhere.