This study investigated the dispersion and tribological effetcs of modifying surface functionalization on single (GO, Al₂O₃, MgO, SiC) and hybrid (SiC/MgO, Al₂O₃/MgO) nanoparticles in water-based lubricant (WBL) formulations. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and glycerol were utilized to further enhance dispersion and viscosity. The experimental findings revealed that incorporating modified nanoparticles surfaces in WBLs improved hydrophilicity and dispersion by introducing additional oxygen functional groups. This effectively reduced direct metal-to-metal contact, resulting in lower interface temperatures and enhanced tribological performance. Hybrid Al₂O₃/MgO nanoparticles exhibited a significant 76.69 percent enhancement in tribological performance in wear mechanisms, synergistically filling microcracks to improve lubricant film formation, bearing, and mending effects. Using a single nanoparticle was found to be insufficient for achieving enhanced tribological effects. All nanoparticles improved bearing effects, except for GO, which promoted a shearing effect. High-hardness nanoparticles such as SiC and Al₂O₃ demonstrated an additional polishing effect.
