| Summary: | Efforts to develop innovative and environmentally friendly lubricants are of increasing interest nowadays, especially for lubricant applications exposed to the environment, particularly railway lubrication. Most of the existing commercial greases contain toxic and restricted materials that may harm the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of green thickeners and additives on the friction and wear performance of a newly developed palm bio-grease. The bio-grease was formulated with palm esters, thickened by calcium complex soap, and enhanced with combined anti-wear additives: calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). Friction and wear properties of the palm bio-grease were investigated through pin-on-disc methodology. The test results revealed excellent tribological properties of the palm ester bio-grease developed with the combined additives, exhibiting 24% lower friction coefficient compared to commercial grease. Minimum pin wear rate was also observed, which was 17% lower than plain palm ester bio-grease. Thus, these findings offer insightful information for the development of an innovative bio-based grease with green and cost-effective additives for railway lubrication. The potential of palm bio-grease can be thoroughly evaluated through field tests, aiming to refine its applicability and performance. © 2024, Malaysian Tribology Society (Mytribos). All rights reserved.
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