Technologies for Conversion Bio-Lubricant Production in Fatty Acids

In response to the increasing environmental pollution concern and depleting petroleum reserves, bio-lubricants have received wide attention in replacement of mineral oil. Vegetable oils can be used as potential source of environmentally friendly bio-lubricants because of their biodegradability, renewability, and excellent lubrication performance. Present chapter introduces properties of several raw oils as well as oil extraction methods. Besides, vegetable oils also have some limitations such as poor oxidative stability and low-temperature fluidity, which can be improved through various modification methods such as direct transesterification or selective hydrogenation. Technology for modification of raw oils has also been described. Additionally, additives have a significant influence on the performance of the lubricating oil. The characteristic and applicability of different commonly used additives in bio-lubricant have been summarized in this chapter. Castor oil has a higher viscosity and a lower viscosity index compared with other vegetable oils. This chapter in particular describes the development of production process for the castor-based biodegradable lubricant.