Powdered Graphite in engine oil

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential use of powdered graphite in engine oil, exploring its chemical properties, lubrication capabilities, and implications for engine performance. Participants consider various aspects, including the suspension of particles, temperature resistance, and possible negative effects on metal components.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that powdered graphite could effectively suspend oil and enhance lubrication due to its structure, potentially resisting high temperatures.
  • Others question the practicality of using sooty oil, suggesting that clean oil is generally more effective based on everyday experience.
  • A participant mentions that graphite could cause pitting in metals, although they believe that an insulating barrier from the oil might mitigate corrosion.
  • Concerns are raised about graphite forming a lapping compound in lubricating oils, which could wear off gear finishes over time.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the ability of oil to penetrate between graphene sheets, arguing that this could lead to increased adhesion rather than improved lubrication.
  • A question is posed regarding the penetration of air and dirt particles into graphite sheets, hinting at the role of polarity in this process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, with multiple competing views on the effectiveness and implications of using powdered graphite in engine oil. Some support the idea while others raise significant concerns and counterarguments.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various assumptions about the properties of graphite and oil, as well as the specific applications being considered. There is uncertainty regarding the long-term effects of graphite on engine components and the behavior of graphite in suspension.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to chemists, engineers, and automotive enthusiasts exploring alternative lubricants and their effects on engine performance.

samblohm
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From a chemical point of view, what are some of your thoughts about powdered graphite in engine oil? I think it would work very well because it would suspend particles between the graphene sheets.
 
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No idea.

But I can tell you that nobody will be able to comment without a context. What do you want to use it for? What properties do you need/expect?

For example - it will make a lousy hand wash, your hands will be not only greasy, but also black. So if that's your plan, you are on the wrong track.
 
It should suspend oil between the graphene sheets and make a very good lubricant for engines. It should also be able to resist the high temperatures that engines create. And I think that random "nuisance" particles that are too small to get filtered by an oil filter should be suspended between the sheets and rendered harmless. I'm looking for some thoughts that chemists may have on this idea.

I also understand that graphite can cause pitting in metals. I think that the oil would create an insulating barrier that wouldn't allow corrosion to happen between the metal and powdered graphite
 
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You're basically suggesting that sooty oil would work better than clean oil - which is pretty much contrary to everyday experience.
 
What I'm thinking is that the graphite will help lubricate and should suspend even more particles than just oil alone. Therefore it won't have the negative effects of soot.
 
The machinist in our department at uni told me that when graphite mixes with lubricating oils in a transmission (such as a large mill) it forms a lapping compound and eventually will wear off the finish on the gears. I have no "official" source to back this up with though.
 
samblohm said:
What I'm thinking is that the graphite will help lubricate and should suspend even more particles than just oil alone. Therefore it won't have the negative effects of soot.

I remember somewhere in my past seeing graphite in a motor oil (will try to remember where and when), I think the biggest problem will be keeping it in suspension and not settling and forming a blockage in small openings or flow lines.

Ron
 
samblohm said:
What I'm thinking is that the graphite will help lubricate and should suspend even more particles than just oil alone. Therefore it won't have the negative effects of soot.

You're thinking is misguided. Oil does not penetrate between the graphene sheets of crystalline graphite.
Besides which, why would this make it a better lubricant? Even if this was possible you would be increasing the adhesion of the sheets through London interactions.
 
So is the reason that air and random dirt particles can penetrate the graphite sheets because the are polar?
 

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