Almond Oil as Potential Biodegradable Lube Oil Additive: A Green Alternative

Abstract

Growing environmental concerns over the use of mineral oil based lubricants in various fields have led to an increased attention towards the use of environmentally benign bio-lubricants. Working in this direction, the present report describes the synthesis of a homopolymer of almond oil and its copolymers with decyl acrylate. The structures of the prepared polymers were confirmed using FT-IR, NMR, and GPC analysis. Additive performances of each of the prepared polymers as viscosity index improvers and pour point depressants were evaluated by standard ASTM methods. The thermal stability of each of the polymers was investigated. Biodegradability of all the polymers was also tested as per ISO 846:1997 against fungal pathogens. A comparison of their multifunctional performances was also studied and is reported. The copolymers showed better performances as viscosity index improvers and pour point depressants. The thermal stability of the copolymers was also found to be higher than the homopolymer. As expected, the homopolymer showed better biodegradability among the other polymers.

Graphical Abstract