publishing for over 25 YEARS
PIN
PETROCHEMICAL, CHEMICAL & ENERGY INDUSTRY NEWS
MAKING LUBRICATION SUSTAINABLE THE RECENT ADVANCEMENTS OF BIOLUBRICANTS
Abstract
Increasing environmental regulations and incentives for sustainability has led to an increase in research into biologically based lubricants as an alternative to traditional methods. While widely used mineral-based lubricants can be effi cient, they are non-renewable and can cause pollution with improper disposal and by virtue of the means in which they are produced. This review discusses methods for improving biolubricant capabilities so they can become commercially relevant. This article discusses recent research of additives in biolubricants. Specifi cally, incorporations of nanoparticles such as Titanium Dioxide and graphene showed improvements in frictional stability and thermal effi ciency. Chemical modifi cations are also being researched with focus being placed on recent studies on the infl uence of esterifi cation and epoxidation. Ultimately, these techniques offer performance enhancements and improve attributes such as friction stability and wearability. The article also discusses where biolubricants are commercially as well as the promotion of their uses. The wide range of biolubricants opens up pathways to this more sustainable alternative.
Figure 2: Effects of nanoparticles on a lubricant’s surface [5] Introduction
Lubricants are critical in many aspects of modern society. They help reduce friction and wear rates, ultimately improving a system’s effi ciency. While the most common lubricants are either mineral or petroleum-based, these traditional lubricant formulations are unsustainable [1]. They can have harsh infl uences on the environment, from air pollution, to infi ltrating
ground water. These sources are also becoming limited, while there is still a high demand for them. A more sustainable approach is being considered: bio-lubricants. These are lubricants sourced from renewable resources, primarily plant oils, and can be used in a sustainable manner as shown in Figure 1 [2]. However, despite their environmentally friendly attributes, they also need to perform just as well as their non-renewable competitors in tribological settings [3].
Many bio-lubricants tend to have challenges with thermal stability and oxidative stability [4]. Because of this, pathways are being investigated to enhance these potentially infl uential lubricants. Methods such as additives and chemical modifi cations are being researched to ultimately enhance the performance of these renewable lubricants. Their fast degradation and little to no carbon emissions are a redeeming quality that can help make the industry environmentally friendly [3].
Nanoparticles
Nanoparticles appear to be an opportunity to greatly improve these lubricants. Specifi cally, the nanoparticles titanium dioxide (TiO2
) and graphene are gaining attention in recent years. This is
due to their abilities to enhance the tribological performances of lubricants. Nanoparticles can penetrate and disperse through a lubricant’s surface, fi lling microscopic defects. This can reduce the coeffi cient of friction through effects such as rolling effects or formation of a protective fi lm which are shown in Figure 2 [5].
Figure 1: Ideal cycle of biolubricant application [2].
Nanoparticles can also be used to improve thermal stability. The nanoparticle graphene, for example, has high thermal
conductivity and stability. Its profi ciency in dispersing heat has gained attention in various industries including lubrication [6,7].
In a study done by Madwesh et al. in association with the Manipal Institute of Technology, TiO2
was used as nanoparticles
incorporated into a jojoba bio-oil lubricant [3]. Jojoba oil is commonly used in many skincare and fragrance products; their renewable and biodegradable capabilities offer potential to gain traction in bio-lubricants. With particle sizes ranging between 20-50 nanometers, titanium dioxide was added to jojoba bio- lubricants which was then compared to a performance of a jojoba-bio-lubricant without titanium dioxide in which a biodiesel from jojoba oil was utilized. Another comparison was used which had a mineral based lubricant, from which one was used with jojoba bio-diesel while the other used neat diesel. The lubricants and their associated fuels were then used in a computerized Kirloskar TV1 single-cylinder, 4-stroke compression ignition, which was then measured through engine performance indicators, shown in Figure 3 [3].
Attributes such as frictional power were tested which had the best performance when jojoba components were used. The jojoba-based samples fell below 2 kilowatts with the TiO2
having
the lowest value falling just below 1.5 kilowatts. These lower values correlate to more effi cient systems as well as thermal stability. The neat diesel had the highest frictional power value, measuring just above 2 kilowatts. Brake thermal effi ciency (BTE) was also evaluated. The results were quite promising, with the jojoba bio-lubricant added titanium dioxide having 33.6% effi ciency. In comparison, the standard diesel and mineral oil (MO) lubricant had an effi ciency of 30.3%. The results of the titanium dioxide added lubricant were further compared with other studies, which exceeded values when similar tests
20
PIN - ANNUAL BUYERS’ GUIDE 2026
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88
