Lube-Tech PUBLISHED BY LUBE: THE EUROPEAN LUBRICANTS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
Marine lubricants play a crucial role in internal engine systems and external surfaces on marine vehicles, where they reduce friction, enhance performance, and protect against environmental wear and tear. In recent decades, increasing environmental regulations have pushed for greater sustainability, driving the marine transportation industry towards more eco-friendly lubrication practices. This is done in order to decrease the harsh ecological impacts caused by traditional formulations that harm marine organisms and aquatic ecosystems. Emerging innovations in nanotechnology and biolubricants have significantly advanced anti-fouling performance and engine efficiency while reducing toxicity and pollution. Nanostructured coating and additives, lubricant-infused surfaces, and biodegradable alternatives are leading to the transformation of marine lubricants. This review highlights the integrations of nanotechnology and biolubricants as the core strategies in the advancement of sustainable marine lubricants, emphasising their potential to meet rigorous environmental standards without compromising performance, offering an effective alternative to traditional production of lubricants.
No.161 page 1
Key trends in the development of sustainable marine lubricants for anti-fouling and reduced environmental impact
Part two of a two-part Lube-Tech by Dr. Raj Shah, Director, Koehler Instrument Company, Andrew Zhang and Mathew Roshan, Chemical and Molecular Engineering Undergraduate Students, Stony Brook University, and Student Interns, Koehler Instrument Company, and Beau Eng and Gavin Thomas, Student Interns, Koehler Instrument Company,
Nanotechnology in marine lubricants Nanotechnology is widely used to improve anti-fouling properties. Whether through nanocomposites in lubricants or constructing the surface of the substrate down to the nanoscale, many studies have shown that the use of nanotechnology can drastically improve the anti-fouling properties [24]. The use of nanoporous structures further enhances the capillary retention and distribution of the lubricant across the surface. The nanoscale pores allow for stronger capillary forces, offering more effective lubricant storage and gradual release, which is crucial for maintaining a stable slipper layer under dynamic marine conditions [25].
The incorporation of nanoparticles into the substrate matrix enhances the hydrophobicity and fouling- release properties of nanocomposites [26]. These materials also exhibit high tensile strength and strong adhesion to underlying substrates, making them more resistant to mechanical wear under extreme marine conditions [26]. In a study by Haoyi Qiu et al. [27], nanocomposites composed of polythiourethane (PTU), PDMS, tetrapodal-shaped ZnO microparticles (PPZ) and ZnO with vinyl-functionalised silicone oil
LUBE MAGAZINE NO.190 DECEMBER 2025 29
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
