Alternative Biobased Greases: Formulation And Characterization Of Lubricants From Olive, Corn And Palm Oils

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In the quest for sustainable industrial practices, the development and utilization of green lubrication have emerged as pivotal components. Traditional lubricants, primarily derived from petroleum, pose significant environmental risks due to their non-biodegradable nature and potential for soil and water contamination. In contrast, green lubricants, particularly those based on vegetable oils, offer a promising alternative. These biodegradable and eco-friendly lubricants not only reduce environmental impact but also contribute to the circular economy by utilizing renewable resources.

Light-Microscopy Images Of Typical Grease Samples.

Fig 1. Optical micrographs of representative greases samples. (Sterpu A. E., et al., 2016)

The Rise of Vegetable Oil-Based Greases

Environmental Imperatives

The global push towards sustainability has necessitated a shift from conventional to green lubricants. Environmental regulations have become increasingly stringent, penalizing the use of harmful chemicals and promoting biodegradable alternatives. Vegetable oils, being inherently biodegradable and non-toxic, align perfectly with these regulatory demands. Their use minimizes the risk of environmental contamination, ensuring that accidental spills or leaks do not lead to long-term ecological damage.

Performance Advantages

Contrary to the misconception that eco-friendly products compromise on performance, vegetable oil-based greases exhibit excellent lubrication properties. These greases possess high viscosity indices, ensuring consistent performance across a wide temperature range. They also demonstrate superior adhesion to metal surfaces, reducing wear and tear on machinery. Furthermore, vegetable oils inherently contain natural antioxidants, which enhance their oxidative stability and prolong their service life.

Composition and Manufacturing of Vegetable Oil-Based Greases

Base Oils: Olive Oil, Corn Oil, and Palm Oil

The selection of base oils plays a crucial role in determining the performance characteristics of vegetable oil-based greases. Olive oil, renowned for its health benefits, also exhibits excellent lubrication properties. Its high oleic acid content contributes to its stability and lubricity. Corn oil, another viable option, offers a balanced profile of fatty acids, ensuring good performance in various operating conditions. Palm oil, with its high saturated fat content, provides exceptional thermal stability, making it suitable for high-temperature applications.

Thickening Agents: Calcium Stearate

To transform liquid vegetable oils into semi-solid greases, thickening agents are essential. Calcium stearate, a metal soap derived from stearic acid and calcium hydroxide, serves as an effective thickener. It forms a network structure within the oil, trapping the liquid and conferring the desired rheological properties to the grease. The concentration of calcium stearate significantly influences the consistency and performance of the grease, with higher concentrations yielding more viscous products.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process of vegetable oil-based greases involves blending the base oil with the thickening agent under controlled conditions. The mixture is heated to facilitate the reaction between stearic acid and calcium hydroxide, forming calcium stearate. The resulting soap is then dispersed in the oil, creating a homogeneous grease. The process requires precise temperature control and agitation to ensure uniform distribution of the thickener and optimal performance of the final product.

Performance Evaluation of Vegetable Oil-Based Greases

Rheological Properties
Rheological studies reveal that vegetable oil-based greases exhibit non-Newtonian behavior, characterized by a shear-thinning effect. This means that the viscosity of the grease decreases under increasing shear rates, facilitating easy application and flow during machinery operation. The power law model accurately describes the rheological behavior of these greases, with correlation factors exceeding 0.96.
Morphological Characterization
Optical microscopy provides insights into the microstructure of vegetable oil-based greases. The soap particles, dispersed as microcrystals, form a network that traps the oil. The size and distribution of these particles significantly influence the grease's consistency and performance. Lognormal distribution models accurately describe the particle size distribution, indicating uniform thermal treatment during manufacturing.
Dropping Point and Thermal Stability
The dropping point, a measure of the grease's consistency and thermal stability, varies depending on the base oil and thickener concentration. Greases prepared from corn oil generally exhibit higher dropping points compared to those from olive oil, indicating better thermal stability. However, additivation with natural polymers can further enhance the thermal stability of these greases, expanding their range of applications.

Applications and Market Potential

Automotive Industry
The automotive industry represents a significant market for vegetable oil-based greases. These greases find applications in chassis lubrication, wheel bearings, and universal joints, where their excellent adhesion and water resistance properties are particularly beneficial. The non-toxic nature of these greases also makes them suitable for use in food processing equipment, where incidental contact with food is unavoidable.
Industrial Machinery
In industrial settings, vegetable oil-based greases are used in various applications, including gearboxes, bearings, and hydraulic systems. Their ability to withstand moderate loads and temperatures, coupled with their eco-friendly properties, makes them an attractive choice for companies looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
Market Growth and Challenges
The market for biodegradable lubricants, including vegetable oil-based greases, is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. However, challenges remain in terms of cost-effectiveness and long-term stability. Continued research and development are necessary to optimize the manufacturing process, reduce production costs, and enhance the performance and shelf life of these greases.

Conclusion: The Future of Green Lubrication

The exploration of vegetable oil-based greases represents a significant step towards sustainable industrial lubrication. These greases offer a viable alternative to traditional petroleum-based products, combining excellent performance with environmental friendliness. As research progresses and manufacturing processes become more efficient, the widespread adoption of green lubricants is poised to transform the industrial landscape. By embracing renewable resources and innovative technologies, we can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

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Reference

Sterpu, Ancaelena Eliza, et al. "Lubricating greases from olive oil, corn oil and palm oil." Revista de Chimie 4 (2016).

Used Oil and Grease Products

Catalog Number	Product Name	Order
RM-7655	Used Cooking Oil (UCO)	Inquiry
RM-7656	Animal Fats-Pork	Inquiry
RM-7657	Animal Fats-Poultry	Inquiry
RM-7658	Virgin Vegetable Oils-EU	Inquiry
RM-7659	Virgin Vegetable Oils	Inquiry
RM-7660	Wasted Vegetable Oil	Inquiry
RM-7661	Waste Vegetable Oil Grade For Biodisel	Inquiry
FAD-7662	Palm Fatty Acid Distillate	Inquiry
FAD-7663	Palm Kernal Fatty Acid Distillate	Inquiry
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Alternative Biobased Greases: Formulation And Characterization Of Lubricants From Olive, Corn And Palm Oils

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