Dr. S. Walpalage
Senior Lecturer
Department of Chemical and Process Engineering
University of Moratuwa
Development of a PFD for Nanolubricant based on Ceylon Vein Graphite
Graphite is a well-known carbon source and Sri Lanka has the vein graphite deposits with the highest purity around 98% carbon. However not much processing and value addition to graphite is taking place in the country with so much product potential.
Natural graphite is a versatile material which has high potential of applications due to its several physical properties. Even without much processing, dry powder of graphite is an effective solid lubricant and well known friction modifier in lubricant applications due to its lamellar structure. Recently, graphite has identified to be a valuable material in nanotechnological applications with the discovery of graphene in 2004. Fullerenes, carbon nanotubes and carbon onions etc. are enormous carbon nanostructures with the backbone of graphene. They are using to emerge more advanced appliances in science and technology. The use of these materials in tribology is a burgeoning research field. Friction, corrosion and abrasion are significant causes for deterioration of performance and the life time of an engine and other machine parts. Furthermore 70% of energy generated by engines is used to reduce the friction of metal parts. Nano-engineered lubricants represent the next evolutionary step in the prevention of friction and wear. Nanoparticles can be used for lubricating purposes in extreme conditions of lubrication like high pressure and high temperature. Thus even more innovative products are possible from graphite. In this research project, Developed a Process Flow Diagram (PFD) for nanolubricant based on Sri Lankan vein graphite with review of Sri Lankan graphite industry and world nanolubricant production approaches.