Biolubricant Base Oil Synthesis and Its Applications

Bio-based oils are an important part of developing new strategies, policies, and subsidies that aid in reducing the dependence on mineral oil and other non-renewable sources. Plant oils exhibit unique chemical structures, and hence, their properties differ from those of mineral oils. By chemically modifying plant oils (through reactions such as epoxidation, esterification, and acetylation), their characteristics such as sensitivity to hydrolysis and oxidative attacks, low-temperature properties, and viscosity index coefficients can be improved. Chemically modified plant oils exhibit better lubrication ability, viscosity indices, and superior anti-corrosion properties, because of the improved affinity of plant oils to metal surfaces. Plant oils can be used in an extremely wide range of automotive, industrial, pharmaceutical applications. Nonetheless, identifying a biolubricant that is both cost-effective and environment-friendly would be a challenge.