In her research, Afrina Khan Piya has investigated how nanomaterials can be used to develop lubricants with reduced need for traditional additives.
18 June 2026
New nanomaterials could make lubricants both greener and more efficient
Research at Luleå University of Technology shows that new lubricants based on nanomaterials can reduce the need for environmentally harmful additives without compromising protection against wear. In several cases, the new formulations performed as well or better than current conventional solutions.
Lubricants play a crucial role in reducing friction and wear in engines, vehicles, and industrial systems. Many conventional lubricants contain sulphur- and phosphorus-based additives that provide effective protection but are increasingly restricted by environmental regulations.
In her doctoral thesis, Afrina Khan Piya, Doctoral Student in Machine Elements at Luleå University of Technology, investigated how new combinations of nanomaterials can be used to reduce or replace these additives.
“The goal has been to develop lubricants that provide effective wear protection while reducing the need for environmentally harmful additives,” says Afrina Khan Piya.
Afrina Khan Piya, doctoral student in machine elements at Luleå University of Technology.
Protective films form during operation
The research focuses on how different additives interact to create thin protective layers on metal surfaces during operation. These so-called tribofilms reduce both friction and wear.
By combining nanodiamonds, two-dimensional nanomaterials and bio-based additives, the researchers developed lubricant formulations that provided excellent protection even when the amount of conventional additives was significantly reduced.
“Our results show that it is possible to reduce, and in some cases even eliminate, conventional additives without compromising wear protection. This opens up opportunities to develop lubricants that meet future environmental requirements while maintaining high performance,” says Afrina Khan Piya.
A pathway towards next-generation lubricants
In several experiments, the new formulations performed as well as or better than conventional lubricant systems. The results also provide new insights into how interactions between additives influence the composition and properties of protective tribofilms.
The research could contribute to the development of future lubricants for automotive, aerospace and industrial applications, where both high performance and sustainability are essential.
“The results demonstrate a possible pathway towards the next generation of lubricants, where high performance can be combined with increasingly demanding environmental requirements,” says Afrina Khan Piya.
Contact
Afrina Khan Piya
- Visiting doctoral student, External PhD Student
- 0920-49
- afrina.khan.piya@associated.ltu.se
- Afrina Khan Piya
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