Optimization of bio-derived basefluid properties to improve efficiency in hydraulic systems

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

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/26/2019
Publication Date: 11/9/2020
Citation: Lorenzo-Martin, C., Ajayi, O.O., Fenske, G.R., Biresaw, G., Bantchev, G.B., Harry-O'Kuru, R.E. 2020. Optimization of bio-derived basefluid properties to improve efficiency in hydraulic systems. Virtual 2020 STLE Frontiers Conference, Nov. 9-13, 2020.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Demand for high efficiency environmentally friendly hydraulic fluids is increasing for a variety of applications, such as agricultural and marine applications. Efficiency of fluid power systems depend on several properties of the hydraulic fluid. The main ones are viscosity (including viscosity index), traction coefficient, bulk modulus, and the boundary friction with appropriate pump and motor materials. Optimization of these properties can provide the opportunity for development of efficient hydraulic fluid. Composite fluids consisting of a mixture of polyalphaolefin and bio-derived ester from high oleic sunflower oil were formulated to have properties similar to commercially available hydraulic fluids. Measurement of the pertinent properties and evaluation of tribological performance indicated the composite fluid has superior or equivalent performance as current state-of-the-art hydraulic fluids. There are opportunities for further performance enhancement of the composite fluids though formulation.