DEVELOPMENTOF ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE SYNTHETIC BASE FLUIDS

Abstract

Industrial users have began to appreciate that synthetic lubricants notably those based upon esters (di- and polyol) and poly alkylene glycols provide cost effective lubrication in all service conditions. From an environmental point of view i.e. rapid biodegradability and favourable ecotoxicological characteristics, a selection must be made which combines these favourable characteristics at an acceptable price. A simple cost effective, eco-friendly, efficient process using indigenous catalyst has been developed for the synthesis of diester and polyolester base stocks. All the base fluids synthesized have low pour point, <-27 in most of the cases. Based on viscosity index, majority, of these products belong to group III category except five products, which belong to group II category of base oils as per API classifications. Biodegradability of some potential lube base stocks has been assessed by ATSM-D5864 method. On the basis of the product properties, these base fluids may find applications either alone or in blends for automotive lubricants, hydraulic oils and refrigeration oils.