Borophene‑Enhanced Castor Oil Lubricant Cuts Friction by 42% — A Green Breakthrough by IASST, Guwahati

Overview A research team from the IASST , Guwahati, has shown that adding just 0.1 wt.% of borophene to castor oil reduces the coefficient of friction by about 42 % compared with pure oil. The work, funded by the Ministry of Science & Technology and the DST , is published in ACS Applied Engineering Materials and promises greener, more efficient industrial lubrication. Key Developments Only 0.1 wt.% borophene added to castor oil cuts friction by ~42 %. The additive forms a durable tribofilm of iron oxides, carbonaceous species and boron compounds. No chemical modification of borophene is needed; it disperses uniformly in the oil. Research led by Prof. Devasish Chowdhury with INSPIRE SRF Ujjibit Boruah as first author. Important Facts The study demonstrates that the castor oil ‑based bio‑lubricant with borophene can improve machine efficiency, lower energy consumption and extend equipment life. The reduction in shear stress and wear translates into potential savings for sectors such as marine propulsion, renewable energy gearboxes and heavy industry. UPSC Relevance This breakthrough links three core UPSC themes: environmental sustainability (use of renewable oil and reduced energy loss), science & technology policy (role of ministries like Science & Technology and institutions like IASST ), and industrial development (energy‑efficient manufacturing). Candidates can cite this as an example of green technology driving economic and environmental goals. Way Forward Further work should focus on scaling the production of borophene , testing long‑term stability in real‑world machines, and formulating policy incentives for industries to adopt bio‑lubricants. Collaboration between research institutes, the DST and manufacturers can accelerate commercialization, contributing to India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Make in India initiative.