ARS | Publication request: Oxidation, Friction Reducing, and Low Temperature Properties of Epoxy Fatty Acid Methyl Esters

Submitted to: Green Chemistry
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: January 30, 2007
Publication Date: February 12, 2007
Citation: Sharma, B.K., Doll, K.M., Erhan, S.Z. 2007. Oxidation, friction reducing, and low temperature properties of epoxy fatty acid methyl esters. Green Chemistry. 9:469-474.

Interpretive Summary: We have synthesized and evaluated a small series of vegetable oil based materials. We have studied the physical properties of these materials in order to determine the possible use of these materials as lubrication fluids. The vegetable oil based material shows the ability to reduce friction and wear when used as an additive in solution. It also shows increased thermal and oxidative stability when compared to the oleochemicals before reaction. Currently, most industrial lubricants are made from petroleum based products, with potential for significant environmental harm. Our lubricants are bio-based and probably show significant bio-degradability. In addition to the environmental benefits, this research benefits the vegetable oil industry by helping to open markets for vegetable oil derived fatty materials.

Technical Abstract: The use of oleochemicals as biobased lubricants is of significant interest. This article presents the oxidative stability of synthesized EMO, EMLO, and EMLEN, as well as that of commercial epoxidized soybean oil, and epoxidized 2-ethylhexyl soyate. The epoxides show increased stability over olefinic oleochemicals by both Pressure Differential Scanning Calorimetry (PDSC) and Thin Film Micro Oxidation (TFMO). Also reported are the viscosity indices, pour point, and cloud point of the compounds. All of the data indicate that some of these epoxides have significant potential to be used as a fuel additive or lubricating fluid.