ARS | Publication request: ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRINTING INKS AND LUBRICANTS

Submitted to: World Congress International Society for Fat Research
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 3, 1999
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: At the Oil Chemical Research Unit (ARS, USDA, NCAUR), our principle efforts focus on modifying the chemical and physical properties of vegetable oils (emphasizing soybean oil), to enhance their use as an additive or as a major component of value-added, environmentally friendly industrial products. One example is the preparation of vegetable oil-based ink vehicles and formulations. They are cost competitive with petroleum-based inks and have better quality factors and environmental properties such as biodegradability, lower VOC, and good deinkability. Vegetable oils also have potential as renewable sources for biodegradable lubricants. Several pathways of chemical modification are investigated to achieve a satisfactory performance as a lubricant basestock. Testing protocol is being developed to evaluate small amounts of fluids. Main problems are low oxidative stability and high solidification temperature. Studies are continuing.