FAIR-CT96-2025 Increase of performance of natural regrowing oils to lubricate earthmoving equipment

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Bulk Chemicals : Economics : Enviromental Aspects : FAIR Area 1.2 - Green Chemicals and Polymers Chain : Vegetable Oil/Fat

	Proposal No:	FAIR-CT96-2025
	Date Prepared:	November 2001, September 1999
	Source:	Final Report May 2000 (PDF) Progress Report June 1998

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Final Report May 2000 (PDF)

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Progress report June 1998

Summary

Introduction The aim of this research project is to investigate and increase the performance of various vegetable oils by combining such renewable agricultural products with the latest technology in additive chemistry to overcome problems that occur when using natural base stocks. To results will be used to encourage end users and to increase confidence in the use of biodegradable vegetable lubricants, through optimising their performance in terms of relevant tests and standards.

Objectives The project addresses the main problems that have been identified in the use of rapeseed based oil in machinery, according to the experience of the Public Work Machine Manufacturer Liebherr (one of the partners) and the COST/REAL group of Tribology. These relate to poor performance in respect of low temperature properties, hydrolytic and oxidation stability as well as problems related to overheating, compatibility, smell and corrosivity.

Activities The overall technical approach adopted is as follows:

• development of new base-stocks from industrial crops
• biologically and chemically improving vegetable oils decreasing the content of non- stable products in order to improve the rheologic behaviour
• increase oxidation and hydrolytic stability of rapeseed oils and decrease the temperature limitations transformation of these improved oils into higher added value products to lubricate hydraulic equipment and gears

The partners will apply their expertise in surface treatment, lubrication and tribological behaviour to perform tests in the laboratory on machine parts as well as carry out field tests in order to improve technical performance and efficiency of new vegetable lubricants. Life-cycle analysis will be used to evaluate environmental impact and the cost effectiveness of the complete chain. Combining the knowledge of the oil manufacturer with that of the additive manufacturer it is expected that a new line of reliable and biodegradable vegetable oils in will be produced for many applications (possibly up to the 20% of the lubricants market) that will overcome the existing technical and economic limitations of current biodegradable lubricants offered in the market.

Results A biodegradable hydraulic lubricant has been designed and tested on single machine components. This is suitable for use as a lubricant for machines working in warm countries. Hydrolytic behaviour of the new lubricant is very good. In order to achieve similar results under the lower temperatures in colder countries, it appears necessary to use an appropriate mixture of the natural oils together with synthetic lubricants. Appropriate additives for these oils and further testing is under development.