Lube-Tech PUBLISHED BY LUBE: THE EUROPEAN LUBRICANTS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
Marine lubricants play a crucial role in internal engine systems and external surfaces on marine vehicles, where they reduce friction, enhance performance, and protect against environmental wear and tear. In recent decades, increasing environmental regulations have pushed for greater sustainability, driving the marine transportation industry towards more eco-friendly lubrication practices. This is done in order to decrease the harsh ecological impacts caused by traditional formulations that harm marine organisms and aquatic ecosystems. Emerging innovations in nanotechnology and biolubricants have significantly advanced anti-fouling performance and engine efficiency while reducing toxicity and pollution. Nanostructured coating and additives, lubricant-infused surfaces, and biodegradable alternatives are leading to the transformation of marine lubricants. This review highlights the integrations of nanotechnology and biolubricants as the core strategies in the advancement of sustainable marine lubricants, emphasising their potential to meet rigorous environmental standards without compromising performance, offering an effective alternative to traditional production of lubricants.
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Key trends in the development of sustainable marine lubricants for anti-fouling and reduced environmental impact
Part one of a two-part Lube-Tech by Dr. Raj Shah, Director, Koehler Instrument Company, Andrew Zhang and Mathew Roshan, Chemical and Molecular Engineering Undergraduate Students, Stony Brook University, and Student Interns, Koehler Instrument Company, and Beau Eng and Gavin Thomas, Student Interns, Koehler Instrument Company,
Introduction Lubricants are substances that decrease the friction between moving surfaces by acting as a slippery film, minimising the damage of moving parts, and enhancing the operational lifespan of mechanical systems [1]. In marine applications, lubricants are critical for ensuring engine efficiency and durability under harsh and variable oceanic conditions [2]. Due to their versatility, marine lubricants must be designed to possess a range of functional properties, including thermal stability, high viscosity retention, oxidation resistance, and biodegradability [2]. Beyond their use in engines, lubricants also play a vital role in anti-fouling technologies that prevent marine organisms from attaching themselves to the surface of ship hulls, which can increase drag, corrosion, and fuel consumption.
This review explores the latest trends in marine lubricants, beginning with the environmental and regulatory factors driving innovation and sustainability. It then examines the ecological impacts of traditional lubricants, the evolution of anti-fouling strategies, and the integration of emerging technologies like
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