Use of Jatropha and Moringa oils for lubricants: Metalworking fluids more environmental-friendly

Abstract The search for more sustainable products has been motivating the metal-mechanic sector to replace its mineral-based lubricants with renewable products. The great demand for products that make minor environmental impacts have pointed to the vegetable oils as an alternative due to its lubricating power. This study aims to explore the potential use of oils from Jatropha curcas and Moringaceae for machining processes. For this purpose, physical-chemical, tribological and machining analyses using vegetable oils were compared with products commercially used in the manufacturing industry. The tribological tests with vegetable oils from Jatropha and Moringa showed reduced worn area compared with emulsifiable and integral commercial oils. Despite the pure vegetable oil showed good lubrication capacity, for a machining process of aluminum alloys the cooling function is also wanted. The Jatropha-based coolant has provided a better machining performance for both cutting conditions, one with low cut feed rate another with high cut feed rate, than those of Jatropha-based ester, Canola-based, and mineral-based coolants. The vegetable-based metalworking fluids showed to be technically viable and environmental-friendly, as they are less toxic and derive from renewable and biodegradable resources.