Babassu-oil-based biolubricant: Chemical characterization and physicochemical behavior as additive to naphthenic lubricant NH-10

Abstract In the search of new bioproducts, which could substitute petroleum derivatives and with capability to attend industrial demand, the present research reports the synthesis of babassu-oil-based biolubricant (Orbignya speciosa M), its characterization, and the impact in mineral lubricant properties when the biolubricant was used as additive. The botanical species was submitted to chromatographic analysis, and the oil content was predominantly saturated. Spectroscopy analysis confirmed the success of the reaction, and the biolubricant consisted of a mixture of mono, di and tri esters of trimethylolpropane. The thermogravimetric behavior of the babassu biolubricant was also studied. The gaseous products evolved during the process were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy and the volatilization and combustion process could be described. Blends between babassu biolubricant and mineral basic oil NH-10 were prepared in the proportions of 3, 5 and 10 % v/v, and physicochemical properties as specific mass, kinematic viscosity at 40 and 100 °C, and flow point were evaluated. For the proportions used in the evaluation, babassu biolubricant could be pointed as a secure additive for mineral oil lubricant NH-10. The characterization of babassu biolubricant, the thermogravimetric behavior, and spectroscopy analysis of the gaseous products evolved, as well as the use as a possible additive and points to a possible use for biolubricants.