IASST Guwahati develops eco-friendly lubricant using graphitic carbon nitride in castor oil
Researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, developed an eco-friendly lubricant by adding surface-modified graphitic carbon nitride to castor oil, cutting friction by about 54%, the DST said on 9 May 2025.
Summary
Researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, developed an environment-friendly lubricant by integrating surface-modified graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) into bio-based castor oil. The nanosheets were modified with octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTCS) to improve dispersion. Compared with castor oil alone, friction fell by about 54% and wear volume by 60.02%, and the oxidation onset temperature rose from 320°C to 339°C. The team was led by Prof. Devasish Chowdhury.
Key facts
- Institute
- IASST, Guwahati (DST autonomous institute)
- Additive
- Surface-modified graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)
- Base oil
- Castor oil
- Friction reduction
- About 54%
- Wear volume reduction
- 60.02%
- Oxidation onset
- 320°C → 339°C
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The eco-friendly lubricant developed at IASST, Guwahati uses which bio-based oil as its base?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Castor oil
Surface-modified graphitic carbon nitride was integrated into bio-based castor oil.
Consider the following statements about the IASST lubricant: 1. It reduced friction by around 54% compared with castor oil alone. 2. IASST, which developed it, is located in Shillong. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. IASST is in Guwahati and is an autonomous institute of the DST.