from plastic is quite similar to diesel produced using the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, except that the former
has a broader boiling point range. Both products are characterised by a high cetane rating and contain virtually no sulphur, aromatics and naphthenes.
Figure 3: Distillation curves for conventional mineral base oil and synthetic base oil produced from plastic
We also manufacture biobased organic friction modifiers that can be used as lubricity improvers, co-emulsifiers and solvency improvers, with possible applications in EAL marine lubricants, industrial lubricants and lubricating greases, coatings, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, etc. For instance, surface-gel- forming organic friction modifiers obtained from castor and rapeseed oil demonstrate outstanding friction-reducing properties when used together with API Group IV base oils. Figures 4(a) and 4(b) show the Mini-Traction Machine (MTM) test data for various organic friction modifiers at 0.5% treat level in PAO4 base oil. GMO, OA, and POFM denote three commercial organic friction modifiers (glycerol monooleate, oleyl amide, and a polymeric friction modifier). MoDTC is an inorganic friction modifier (molybdenum dithiocarbamate). XFM is our novel polymeric organic friction modifier. The latter is 100% renewable, biodegradable, and demonstrates top-of- the-class efficiency and excellent effect retention under oxidative stress. This makes it attractive for use in industrial and transportation lubricants as a replacement for inorganic friction modifiers [5-7].
Last but not least, KATA operations rely upon a closed loop supply chain, leading the way towards a sustainable future where waste plastic is collected from local farmers, converted to value-added products, such as agricultural lubricants, fuels and crop protection oils, which are sold back to the farmers. And we do it at scale significant enough to solve the plastic waste problem and to bring benefit to the local farmers.
Figure 4: MTM test data comparing the tribological efficiency of various friction modifiers in fresh (2 h at 100°C) formulations and aged formulations (8 h at 100°C + 8 h at 130°C).
References [1] FAO. 2021. Assessment of agricultural plastics and their sustainability. A call for action. Rome. https://doi. org/10.4060/cb7856en.
[2] M. de Tesanos, B. Zhmud, Defining “Green” Lubricants: Environmentally acceptable vs. Bio-based. Which way to go? Lubricants Sustainability Forum, 29-30 November, 2023, Berlin, Germany.
[3] J.E. Rorrer, C. Troyano-Valls, G.T. Beckham, et al. Hydrogenolysis of Polypropylene and Mixed Polyolefin Plastic Waste over Ru/C to Produce Liquid Alkanes, ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 9 (2021) 11661.
[4] R. Hackler, K. Vyavhare, R. Kennedy, et al. Synthetic Lubricants Derived from Plastic Waste and their Tribological Performance, ChemSusChem. 10.1002 / cssc.202100912.
[5] M. de Tezanos, B. Zhmud, High Quality Sustainable Base Oils from Plastic Waste and Biomass, Proc. 24th Int. Tribology Colloquium, January 23-25, 2024, Stuttgart, Germany.
[6] B. Zhmud, A. Coen, K. Zitouni, Fuel Economy Engine Oils: Scientific Rationale and Controversies, SAE Tech. Paper 2021-24-0067.
[7] I. Hobday, J. Eastwood, Friction Modifiers for Next Generation Engine Oils, Lube 120 (2014) 27.
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