A potential biodegradable lubricant from castor biodiesel esters. (12th September 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: da, José André Cavalcanti; Habert, Alberto Cláudio; Freire, Denise Maria Guimarães
• Is Part Of: Lubrication science. Volume 25:Number 1(2013:Jan.)
• Page Start: 53
• Page End: 61
• Publication Date: 2012-09-12
• Subjects: Tribology -- Periodicals; Lubrication systems -- Research -- Periodicals; Surfaces (Technology) -- Research -- Periodicals; 621.89
• DOI: 10.1002/ls.1205
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-0075

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <p>Worldwide, 12 million tonnes per year of lubricants are disposed of in the environment through leakages, exhausted gas, incorrect disposal, water–oil emulsions and so on. Some are resistant to biodegradation, representing an environmental threat. One solution to modify this situation is the replacement of mineral oils by biodegradable synthetic lubricants. Esters, whose chemical structures are similar to natural triglycerides, are excellent substitutes for mineral oils. Castor oil contains around 90% ricinoleic acid, and as a result, castor oil has a higher viscosity and a lower viscosity index, compared with other vegetable oils. This work was based on the production of biodegradable lubricant base fluids from castor biodiesel esters, using various chemical catalysts to yield products with interesting properties, such as high viscosity index and good oxidation stability, compared with mineral oils. This route to lubricants is safer, more economical and more efficient. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.</p> </abstract>