A peculiar observation of gelling in bio-based phosphonate esters

Authors: LORENZO-MARTIN, C - Argonne National Laboratory; OYELAYO, AJAYI - Argonne National Laboratory; Bantchev, Grigor; Biresaw, Girma; Harry O Kuru, Rogers

Submitted to: Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/4/2018
Publication Date: 5/21/2019
Citation: Lorenzo-Martin, C., Oyelayo, A.O., Bantchev, G.B., Biresaw, G., Harry O Kuru, R.E. 2019. A peculiar observation of gelling in bio-based phosphonate esters [abstract]. Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. p. 80.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Because of their excellent tribological performance and environmental benefit, bio-based lubricants are the subject of study and development, as well as commercial activities. One of the common base fluids used in lubricant formulation is phosphonate ester. Recently, we observed gelling of palm oil derived ester during multiple viscosity measurements at 100°C. This observation is assumed to be linked to the presence of residual di-butyl phosphite used in the synthesis of the ester fluid. This gelling behavior can have an impact on the tribological performance of the final lubricant. Studies are in progress to assess the effect of this phenomenon on tribological performance of the fluid. It is imperative that development of bio-based esters be done in a manner to avoid the gelling phenomenon.