Stability and friction-reducing properties of epoxidized oleoochemical methyl esters

I&EC 16

Kenneth M. Doll, Kenneth.Doll@ars.usda.gov, Food and Industrial Oil, USDA-ARS-NCAUR, 1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61604 and Servim Z. Erhan, Sevim.Erhan@ars.usda.gov, Food and Industrial Oil Research Unit, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604.
The use of oleochemicals as biobased replacements for petrochemical lubricants is an important area of study. Physical properties of the epoxidized fatty esters derived from vegetable oil are reported and compared to their olefinic counterparts. Overall the frictional behavior of epoxy methyl oleate (EMO), epoxy methyl linoleate (EMLO), and epoxy methyl linolenate (EMLEN) in hexadecane solution were studied and found to reduce friction better than the corresponding olefins. Adsorption coefficients were calculated and the corresponding trends were elucidated. Additionally, the materials have been shown to have improved oxidative stability by Pressure Differential Scanning Calorimetry (PDSC) and Thin film Micro Oxidation (TFMO). The flow properties of the compounds are also favorable for use as in the lubricant industry. Application of a lubrication fluid of this type is especially useful in areas where a bio-based and environmentally friendly lubricant, such as forestry, would be advantageous.
 

Feedstocks for the Future II: Renewables for the Production of Chemicals and Materials
8:30 AM-12:00 PM, Monday, August 20, 2007 Boston Park Plaza -- Clarendon Rm, Oral

Division of Industrial & Engineering Chemistry

The 234th ACS National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 19-23, 2007