ARS | Publication request: Screening of natural oil basestocks for lubricant applications

Submitted to: Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: January 27, 2012
Publication Date: May 6, 2012
Citation: Sharma, B.K., Shah, S.N., Doll, K.M., Erhan, S.Z. 2012. Screening of natural oil basestocks for lubricant applications [abstract]. Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers Annual Meeting & Expo. p. 60.

Technical Abstract: Natural oils offer significant advantages, such as resource renewability, biodegradability, and performance properties, compared to petroleum-based products. Their amphiphilic character makes them excellent lubricant candidates. The wide use of vegetable oils is restricted due to low thermo-oxidative stability and poor cold flow behavior. This paper presents screening of various natural oils, including genetically modified oils, as basestocks for lubricant formulations. These oils were evaluated for oxidative stability using PDSC, OSI, and PetroOXY; low temperature flow properties; friction and wear behavior; and viscosity. These parameters were correlated to their fatty acid composition. Among these natural oils, the best ones are high-oleic vegetable oils, which when formulated with chemical additives, provide lubricants exhibiting improved low temperature properties, superior oxidative stability, and good wear properties.