Scientists have developed a borophene-based bio-lubricant that significantly reduces friction and wear in machinery, a breakthrough that could improve energy efficiency and support sustainable industrial applications.
Researchers from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have demonstrated for the first time that borophene, a two-dimensional nanomaterial, can be used as a high-performance lubricant additive in castor oil.
The study found that adding just 0.1 per cent borophene by weight to castor oil reduced friction by around 42 per cent compared to pure castor oil, while also improving wear resistance and load-bearing capacity.
According to the researchers, friction and wear are among the leading causes of energy loss and equipment failure across industries. Although castor oil is a renewable and biodegradable lubricant, its performance can be significantly enhanced with suitable additives. The newly developed borophene-based formulation offers a sustainable alternative to conventional lubricants while improving machine efficiency.
The research was carried out under the guidance of Prof. Devasish Chowdhury, with Ujjibit Boruah, an INSPIRE Senior Research Fellow, serving as the first author of the study.
Explaining the significance of the work, Prof. Chowdhury said borophene has attracted considerable scientific interest because of its unique physical and chemical properties. While it has shown promise in technologies such as batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells, its potential as a lubricant additive had not been explored until now.
The researchers found that borophene disperses uniformly in castor oil without requiring chemical modification. During operation, it forms a durable protective layer, known as a tribofilm, comprising iron oxides, carbon-based compounds and boron-containing compounds. This layer reduces shear stress, protects contact surfaces and minimises wear.
The team said the findings could pave the way for the development of environmentally friendly lubricants capable of reducing energy consumption, extending machinery life and lowering maintenance costs across industrial sectors.
