Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #216015
Title: Elastohydrodynamic properties of blends of plant-based and petroleum-based oils

Author
item Bantchev, Grigor
item Biresaw, Girma

Submitted to: Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/18/2008
Publication Date: 5/18/2008
Citation: Bantchev, G.B., Biresaw, G. 2008. Elastohydrodynamic properties of blends of plant-based and petroleum-based oils [abstract]. Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. p. 114.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Plant-based oils are mostly triglycerides but can also be esters of long chain fatty acids and fatty alcohols. They are renewable and biodegradable materials, and display certain lubrication characteristics that are superior to petroleum-based products. However, for some applications, plant-based oils by themselves do not meet performance requirements. Various methods are being pursued to overcome the shortcomings of plant-based oils for various lubrication applications. One approach is to blend plant-based oils with petroleum-based oils that have complimentary properties. Such approach could result in a lubricant with acceptable lubrication properties, which may or may not be fully biodegradable. To explore this approach, we have investigated the elastohydrodynamic (EHD) behavior of binary blends of plant-based oils with petroleum-based synthetic base oils. The effect of changes in the viscosities and ratios of the two oils on the film thickness of the blend under EHD conditions will be discussed.