Friction coefficients of a wet clutching using belnds of automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and bio-lubricant (Jatropha curcas oil) in a pin on disk tester track or category

Jatropha L. Curcas oil could potentially be used either as automatic transmission fluid (ATF) or additive because the vegetable oil viscosity is similar to the commercial ATF viscosity requirements. ATF are lubricant fluids made of mineral or synthetic base oil blended with several additives to achieve low viscosity, high rate of viscosity, good frictional performance, anti-shudder, anti-wear, anti-oxidation, etc., to meet the specifications of standards for modern transmission systems. Anti-shudder property can be visualized when the friction coefficient is a function of sliding velocity. A positive slope in the function represents good anti-shudder properties and a negative slope represents a poor anti-shudder property. In the present study, the friction coefficient versus sliding velocity for different blends of lubricant and two different friction materials was investigated using the pin on disk test. Jatropha oil showed the best anti-shudder property compared to the other blends but in some cases the magnitude of friction coefficient was low due to the good lubricant property of this vegetable oil. The results indicate that Jatropha oil can be used as an additive in certain percentages with mineral oils to increase anti-shudder property.