Lube-Tech PUBLISHED BY LUBE: THE EUROPEAN LUBRICANTS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
In 2025, Wang et al. [44] conducted a study focusing on the synergistic effects of 1,3-diketone, an environmentally friendly friction modifier, and nano-copper particles, which are eco-friendly, within a commercial marine engine lubricant. Their goal was to enhance the lubrication performance in the piston ring-cylinder liner tribo-pair that are essential in the operation of marine vehicles, in order to reduce wear under harsh conditions. The results indicated a 16.7% reduction in friction, and a 21.6% and 16.7% reduction in wear on piston rings and cylinder liners, respectively, compared to using the standard base oil without additives. These improvements were attributed to the low shear resistance of copper nanoparticles and their ability to fill surface defects, forming a smoother protective layer that enhances lubrication [44].
Furthermore, the interaction between nano-copper, diketone, and traditional anti-wear additives resulted in a synergistic enhancement of anti-wear properties, offering improved durability under high-load marine conditions [44]. These findings highlight the potential of nanoparticle-based additives to support the development of high-performance, eco-friendly marine lubricants, contributing to greater engine efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Improving lubrication in marine engines is essential for enhancing fuel economy, reducing operating costs, and minimising greenhouse gas emissions. The growing demand for environmentally conscious products has spurred interest in the development of eco-friendly lubricant additives that can deliver high performance while meeting environmental regulations.
In a recent study by Wang et at. [45], the researchers explored how the morphology of aluminium oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles affects their tribological behaviour when used as lubricant additives. While Al2O3 has been recognised for its anti-wear and
34 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.190 DECEMBER 2025
No.161 page 6
anti-friction properties, this study indicates that Al2O3 nanosheets significantly outperformed other nanostructures such as the nanorods, nanospheres, and nanoparticles – as seen in Figure 5 [45].
Figure 5: Comparison of wear scar width of Al2O3 with varying content percentages and different shapes [34].
These nanosheets have a broad surface area and layered structure that lowers friction by forming a protective, low-shear film on the contact surface, allowing smoother motion and reducing mechanical stress [45]. These findings suggest that not only the presence of nanoparticles but also their shape and structure are critical in determining performance. The average wear scar width of Al2O3 was the lowest as a nanosheet at 319 μm which was 12.6% less than that of using the base oil [45]. Nanosheet particles have a larger bearing area which reduces the stress effect on the friction surface and exhibits the best tribological properties compared to the other shapes. The use of tailored nanostructures like Al2
O3 nanosheets offers
a promising route toward high-efficiency, sustainable marine lubricants.
As the demand grows for sustainable alternatives to synthetic lubricants, biolubricants have emerged as a promising solution due to their non-toxic, renewable, and biodegradable properties, offering high performance with minimal environmental impact [46]. One notable approach involves using oils derived from macroalgae, which present a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to fossil-based oils and
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