Friction Characteristic of Semi Synthetic and Full Synthetic Lubricant by Using

Four Ball Testing Machine

I. INTRODUCTION AND BASIC THEORY

1.1 Background
Most of the machines built today are designed to operate at a wide range of
temperature with an increased load bearing capability. This has frequently resulted in
increased wear & tear, higher amount of heat dissipation which sometimes leads to
replacement of machine parts and other peripheral components. There has been an ever
growing necessity in the use of lubricants and a strong emphasis to develop high
performance lubricants capable of meeting the operational requirements.
The lubricant have many function and important to the industries, machinery
and tools. This project analyzes how the lubricants work to the machine to prevent from
friction. From the analysis the lubricant performance can be compare. To observe the
friction of the lubricant, Four Ball Tester machine will give the result based on the
coefficient of friction with different load. This experiment analysis the engine oil use
in motorcycle is one type of lubricant use in the test to analysis the performance. The
type of oil engine use in motorcycle are normal oil, semi synthetic oil and fully
synthetic oil.

1.2 Objective
The objective of this experiment are as follow:
1. To study the physio-chemical properties of Motor Oil Semi Synthetic 10 W
40 and Motor Oil Full Synthetic 10 W 40 with three different brand of
each type using FTIR (Fourier Trasform Infra Red) and viscometer.
2. To study the friction of Motor Oil Semi Synthetic 10 W 40 and Motor Oil
Full Synthetic 10 W 40 with three different brand of each type using Four
Ball Tester
 3. To analysis and compare the friction of three different brand Motor Oil Semi
Synthetic and Full Synthetic 10 W 40

1.3 Project summary

According to the problem statement and objective of the project, a simple
analysis to the lubricant needs to be run to get the data. The data can be getting using
the experimental test by Four Ball Tester machine. In this experiment the analysis focus
on two types of oil engine use in motorcycles. This experiment focuses at determining
the performance of lubricants that mainly depending on the friction characteristic.
There are three brand of Motor Oil Semi Synthetic 10 W 40 and three brand of
Motor Oil Full Synthetic 10 W 40 are analysis to be compared.
The test use the applied load to give different size of scar diameter to the ball.
The test run was carried out using a load of 100 kgf, 200 kgf, and 300 kgf at a constant
sliding speed of 1000 rpm. Each of the tests were conducted for 10 minute at an
operating temperature of 27 C.
The data result of this experiment will be plot on the graphic to compare
friction of the brand of lubricant each other. Based on the applied load, the data result
will be plot to graph on friction versus viscosity, friction versus load, and friction torque
versus load.

II. METODOLOGY
2.1 Type of Lubricant
In this experiment, the used lubricant is Motor Oil Semi Synthetic 10 W 40
and Motor Oil Full Synthetic 10 W 40. The three bands oil in each type are
evaluated on four ball tester for load carrying capacity. The lubricants that will be
experiment are appeared in Table 1.
Table 2.1 Lubricant variation that will be experiment
Motor Oil Full Synthetic 10 W 40 Motor Oil Semi Synthetic 10 W 40
 Brand A : Yamaha Yamalube Brand A : Yamaha Yamalube
Brand B : Castrol Power Brand B : Castrol Power
Brand C : United Shell Brand C : United M1 Classic

2.2 Experiment test parameter

The test and data parameter of this experiment are as follow:
1) Applied Load
In this experiment, the used applied load is varying in 100 kgf, 200 kgf, 300
kgf.
2) Temperature
In this experiment, the temperature will be conditioned constant at 270C
3) Test duration
In this experiment, test duration within 10 minute.
4) Rotation speed
In this experiment, the rotation speed will be conditioned constant at 1000
rpm
5) Four ball test specimen
In this experiment, using the standard ASTM D2596

2.3 Experimental Setup (Test RIG - F.B.E.P.O.T.M.)

Figure 2.1(a) Four-Ball Tester Figure 2.1(b) Arrangement of balls

2.4 Experimental Test Procedure
1. Measure the physio-chemical properties of Motor Oil Semi Synthetic 10 W
40 and Motor Oil Full Synthetic 10 W 40 using FTIR (Fourier Trasform
Infra Red) and viscometer.
2. In the four ball test, previously the balls are cleaned with solvent.
3. Three ball bearing specimens was locked into based fixture of test machine.
4. The ball bearing was locked into drive shaft. These balls were act as fourth
ball bearing of the system.
5. Test lubricant was poured into based fixture until it covered the whole ball
bearing.
6. The based fixture was placed on machine.
7. The test was started with test load of 100 kgf.
8. The temperature of test lubricant has been controlled (use 270C) and recorded
by using the control unit and monitor.
9. The data such as torque, sliding speed in rotational per minute (rpm=1000
rpm) and other necessary data according to the ASTM D2596 as a standard
was controlled and recorded.
10. The procedure was repeated for other test load (100 kgf, 200 kgf, 300 kgf)
with different type of the lubricant (semi synthetic and full synthetic
lubricant)
11. After every 10 minute, the wear test process is stopped, the balls are cleaned.

III. HYPOTHESIS AND DATA RESULT

3.1 Hypothesis
The hypothesis of this experiment are follow:
1. Viscosity and friction and are not proportional, reduced in viscosity will
increased the friction
 2. Load and friction are proportional, increased in load will increased the
friction.
3. Full synthetic motor oil will have higher viscosity than semi synthetic motor
oil

3.2 Data result

Table 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 presents the data result of the experiment with varying
load input parameters and the output of friction on three different brand of Motor Oil
Semi Synthetic 10 W 40 and Motor Oil Full Synthetic 10 W 40

Table 3.1. Experimental results of viscosity when lubricating the four-ball tribotester

COF
Type Brand Viscosity
100 200 300
CASTROL 82 0,179 0,164 0,03425
FULL
YAMALUBE 91 0,07998 0,1438 0,05433
SYNTHETIC
SHELL 86,4 0,091136 0,088684 0,014204
CASTROL 82,8 0,133 0,082 0,059
SEMI
YAMALUBE 94,3 0,16 0,11 0,03
SYNTHETIC
M1 94,2 0,025 0,016 0,03

Table 3.2. Experimental results of friction and COF Full Synthetic Oil with varying
load
Load (kgf)
OIL
100 200 300
FULL A YAMALUBE 8,284 15,07 4,709
FRICTIO
SYNTHE B CASTROL 3,685873 13,1882 7,490841
N (Nm)
TIC C SHELL 4,19152 8,109527 1,955975
 YAMALU
A BE 0,179 0,164 0,034245
COF
B CASTROL 0,07998 0,1438 0,05433
C SHELL 0,091136 0,088684 0,014204

Table 3.3. Experimental results of friction and COF Semi Synthetic Oil with varying
load
Load (kgf)
OIL
100 200 300
A YAMALUBE 7,63 10,9 4,15
FRICTIO
B CASTROL 6,139 7,6 8,175
SEMI N (Nm)
C M1 1,156 1,483 4,158
SYNTH
A YAMALUBE 0,16 0,11 0,03
ETIC
COF B CASTROL 0,133 0,082 0,059
C M1 0,025 0,016 0,03
4. DISCUSSION

4.1 Friction Torque dependence on Load (Semi and Full Synthetic Oil)

Friction Torque VS Load

(Semi and Full Synthetic)
16

14
Friction Torque, N.mm

12 OIL A FULL
OIL B FULL
10
OIL C FULL
8
OIL A SEMI
6 OIL B SEMI
4 OIL C SEMI

0
100 200 300
Load, kgf

Figure 4.1 Graph of Friction Torque dependence on Load (kgf) Semi and Full
Synthetic Oil

Figure 4.1 shows the graph of friction torque semi synthetic and full synthetic
oil dependence on load variation of 100 kgf, 200 kgf, and 300 kgf. Generally, the trend
line of the graphic said that the friction torque increase with increasing of load from
100 kgf to 300 kgf on both semi synthetic and full synthetic oil.

For full synthetic oil on brand A,B and C, the friction torque increase with
increased of load from 100 kgf to 200 kgf. Then decrease from load 200 kgf to 300 kgf.
For semi synthetic oil on brand A and B, the friction torque increase with increased of
load from 100 kgf to 300 kgf. On brand C the friction torque increase with increased
of load from 100 kgf to 200 kgf. Then decrease from load 200 kgf to 300 kgf.
 The value of friction torque on full synthetic oil from highest to lowest is brand
C, brand B the the lowest brand A. For semi synthetic oil friction torque from highest
to lowest is brand brand C, brand B the the lowest brand A. On comparison of friction
torque of full synthetic oil and semi synthetic oil can be seen that full synthetic oil have
higher value than semi synthetic oil.

Nevertheless, theoretically, the friction torque should increase as the applied

load is increase.
Ff = . N
Where : Ff : Friction force
: Coefficient of friction
N : Normal Force
The value of N is equal to W (Load) when the surface is flat. So:
Ff = . W
In order words, it can say that the greater applied load is applied, the greater of the
friction torque.
Based on the result of the graph, it can be conclude that generally the
experiment performed is inaccuracy with the theory. The inaccuracy results show that
we are having the errors during experiment.

It found in graphic full synthetic oil brand A,B,C and semi synthetic oil brand
C where the graph should be increase from the load 200 kgf to 300 kgf, but the graphic
in experiment show decrease. The decreasing the friction torque indicates the content
of additives in the lubricant. In this addition of additives will be improve the friction
behaviors of lubricant, thus avoiding surface damage the affect give the decreased of
friction torque.

The low of friction because the formation of a surface chemical reaction film
on the lubricant regime. The effect of a particular additive depends on its chemical
nature, and its concentration. Actually most of the lubricant consist of 90% base oil and
10% additive. But they show better under different operational conditions. The wide
variety of positive effects demonstrated by the combination of different types of
additives. In this case (full synthetic oil brand A,B,C and semi synthetic oil brand C)
the additive give the show the better friction under load 300 kgf. The additive give
effect of friction when it receive load 300 kgf.

4.2 Coefficient Of Friction (COF) Dependence on Load Semi and Full Synthetic
Oil

COF VS Load
(Semi and Full Synthetic)
0.2
0.18
0.16 OIL A FULL
COF

0.14 OIL B FULL

0.12 OIL C FULL
0.1 OIL A SEMI
0.08 OIL B SEMI
0.06 OIL C SEMI
0.04
0.02
0
100 200 300
Load, kgf

Figure 4.2 Graph of COF dependence on Load (kgf) Semi and Full Synthetic Oil

Figure 4.2 shows the graph of Coefficient Of Friction (COF) semi synthetic and
full synthetic oil dependence on load variation of 100 kgf, 200 kgf, and 300 kgf.
Generally, the trend line of the graphic said that the COF decreased with increasing of
load from 100 kgf to 300 kgf on both semi synthetic and full synthetic oil.
 For full synthetic oil on brand A and C, the COF decreased with increased of
load from 100 kgf to 300 kgf. For brand B full synthetic oil, the COF decrease from
load 200 kgf to 300 kgf. But increase from load 100 kgf to 200 kgf. For semi synthetic
oil on brand A and B, the COF decreased with increased of load from 100 kgf to 300
kgf.. For brand C semi synthetic oil, the COF decreased from load 100 kgf to 200 kgf,
but then increased from load 200 kgf to 300 kgf.

The value of coefficient of friction on full synthetic oil from highest to lowest
is brand C, brand B the the lowest brand A. For semi synthetic oil coefficient of friction
from highest to lowest is brand brand C, brand B the the lowest brand A. On
comparison of coefficient of friction of full synthetic oil and semi synthetic oil can be
seen that full synthetic oil have higher value than semi synthetic oil.

Nevertheless, theoretically, the COF should decrease as the applied load is

increase.
Ff = . N
Where : Ff : Friction force
: Coefficient of friction
N : Normal Force
The value of N is equal to W (Load) when the surface is flat. So:
Ff = . W
Therefore, the relationship between scar diameter and applied load can simplified to

= W

In order words, it can say that the greater applied load is applied, the smaller of the
coefficient of friction.
Based on the result of the graph, it can be conclude that generally the
experiment performed is in accuracy with the theory. The COF decreased with
increasing load. So, the relation between COF and load is opposite.
 The inaccuracy results show that we are having the errors during experiment. It
found in graphic brand B full synthetic oil where the graph should decrease from the
load 100 kgf to 200 kgf, but the graphic in experiment show increase. The other
inaccuracy found in brand C semi synthetic oil, where the graph should decrease from
the load 200 kgf to 300 kgf, but in experiment the graphic show increase. The COF
increase because the friction in this oil increase. Based on the theory said the relation
between friction and COF is proportional. So increased the friction give effect
increased COF.

4.3 Coefficient of Friction dependence Viscosity

COF VS Viscosity
(Semi & Full Synthetic)
0.2
0.18
0.16
0.14
LOAD 100
0.12
LOAD 200
COF

0.1
0.08 LOAD 300
0.06
0.04
0.02
0
82 91 86.4 82.8 94.3 94.2
Viscosity

Figure 4.3 Graph of COF dependence on viscosity Semi and Full Synthetic Oil

The Coefficient Of Friction (COF) variation on semi synthetic and full synthetic
oil dependence on viscosity with varying load shown in figure 3. Based on graphic, can
be seen for load 100 kgf, the COF decrease, but then increase from viscosity 91 to 94,3
and then decrease in viscosity 94,3 to 94,2. For load 200 kgf the COF decrease until
viscosity 82,3 but increase in viscosity 94, 3 and then decrease. For load 300 kgf then
COF increase in viscosity 91, then decrease but increase again in point 82,3 then
decrease again.

Theoretically, the coefficient of friction related with the friction force. The
relation is proportional. The low COF indicates the low friction force. One of the factor
that can give low friction force if the lubricant have high viscosity. The viscosity is an
indication of how viscosity varies with temperature. The high viscosity can stand on
the high temperature. Film thickness with high viscosity is more thicker than low
viscosity. The more thicker film can be lower of friction. So can be conclude that low
COF mean the low friction, mean more thicker film, mean high viscosity. The relation
between COF and viscosity is opposite, increase viscosity should be decrease COF.

Based on the theory, the most of the data in experimental result is inaccuracy.
The bar graphic should be decrease with increasing viscosity. But the data are
fluctuatif. It indicate there is an effect of additive. As the previous discussion that the
addition of additive will give the effect of friction the effect the COF. But additive can
shown its performance under different operational condition. Not the same one
lubricant with another lubricant. Because the particular additive depends on different
chemical and its concentration. The wide variety of effects demonstrated by the
combination of different types of additives. We can say that lubricant with same value
of viscosity may be have the different type of additive with different operational
condition for the performance.

5. CONCLUSION

For the tests performed on a four-ball tribometer with synthetic lubricant various
load, the conclusions drawn are as follows:

1. Load and friction are proportional, increased in load will increased the friction.
2. Viscosity and coefficient of friction and are opposite, reduced in viscosity will
increased the friction
3. On comparison of coefficient of friction of full synthetic oil and semi synthetic
oil can be seen that full synthetic oil have higher value than semi synthetic oil.
4. On comparison of friction torque of full synthetic oil and semi synthetic oil can
be seen that full synthetic oil have higher value than semi synthetic oil.
5. On comparison of viscosity of full synthetic oil and semi synthetic oil can be
seen that semi synthetic oil have higher value than full synthetic oil.
6. The addition of additive on lubricant will give the effect of low friction. But
additive can shown its performance under different operational condition
(optimum working). Not the same one lubricant with another lubricant.