Production of Biobased Lubricant Basestocks with Improved Performance

The ability of a catalyst to enhance the performance of synthesized biobased lubricant basestock was investigated in this study. Pomace olive oil, cottonseed oil, used frying oil and methyl oleate were utilized as starting materials for the production of the biobased lubricants and a two stages transesterification methodology was followed. Initially the oils were converted to their corresponding fatty acid methyl esters via methanolysis. The resulting methylesters were subsequently transesterified with TMP producing the desired oleochemical ester. These syntheses were carried out in the presence of either sodium methoxide or Ca/TEA alkoxide as catalysts. Following the purification phase, the synthesized esters were evaluated as potential biolubricants regarding their physicochemical properties such as viscosity index, pour point and acid value. Oxidation stability differentiations were determined in a Rancimat accelerated oxidation unit as well as in a Rapid Small Scale Oxidation Test (RSSOT). The assessment of the tribological parameters was conducted by employing a High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR) apparatus. The overall results demonstrate that Ca/TEA alkoxide is efficient in both catalyzing the synthesis and improving substantially the characteristics of the final product.