A review on bio-based feedstock, synthesis, and chemical modification to enhance tribological properties of biolubricants

Abstract

Biolubricants are emerging as an alternate option to petroleum-based lubricants and seeking the attention of researchers worldwide due to their biodegradability, renewability, and non-toxic nature. The presence of various acids such as oleic acid, ricinoleic acid, and linoleic acid enables the conversion of vegetable oil into biolubricants with desired lubricating properties. The addition of nanoparticles may ensure good anti-wear properties and proper viscosity of biolubricants. Transesterification, epoxidation, and estolide formation are the main method of the synthesis of the biolubricants from vegetable oil. This paper reviews the state–of–art development of the biolubricants, vegetable oil as feedstock for the biolubricants, and physico-chemical properties of biolubricants for better lubrication considering the improvement in chemical properties and methods of production. Chemical modification and the use of nanomaterial to improve the quality of the biolubricants have been reviewed in this paper. This paper will provide complete insight into the recent development of biolubricants to researchers working in the field of tribology and lubrication.