ARS | Publication request: SYNTHETIC LUBRICANTS FROM EPOXIDIZED SOYBEAN OIL AND 2-ETHYLHEXYL ALCOHOL

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 15, 2002
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Economically adaptable bio-based synthetic lubricant basestocks were prepared from epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and 2-ethylhexyl alcohol in the presence of catalytic sulfuric acid. 1H NMR has shown that the ring-opening reaction occurs first and then transesterification follows under the given reaction conditions. Other catalysts including p-toluenesulfonic acid, boron trifluoride, and sodium methoxide were examined for the ring-opening reaction. Pour points of the ring-opened products were observed as low as -21C and -30C without and with 1% of PPD (pour point depressant), respectively. Effect of the esterification of hydroxy groups in the ring-opened products was investigated. Pour point depression of the blended products by adding poly alpha olefin (PAO) has been tested. Oxidative stability of the product has been examined using PDSC (pressurized differential scanning calorimetry) and compared with those of synthetic lubricant basestocks, PAO, and a synthetic ester.