Newly published research has revealed nano-technology that could replace antioxidant additives in lubricants.
The nano materials, known as zeolites, form a type of microscopic sieve which helps to reduce harmful chemicals produced as lubricants breakdown in use. Currently, the chemical fallout is reduced by other potentially damaging chemical additives. However, the new discovery could reduce, or remove, the need for these additives.
The research by scientists in France, Belgium and Malaysia, was published in the Green Chemistry magazine. In essence, the zeolites are highly porous inorganic materials which act like a sieve to filter the chemical by-products released in the first stages of lubricant oxidisation.
Unlike existing anti-oxidant additives, the zeolites do not stop the oxidisation process itself, but simply slow it down to create less harmful by-products. One particular zeolite, of the three tested, not only slows the process but actually absorbs the by-products themselves, significantly reducing residual oil sludge.
The researchers hope that the new technology will be adopted by the oil industry as it strives to manufacture products that meet the latest strigent environmental regulations around the world.