In the present investigation, a heterogeneous sulfated-SnO2 catalyst was synthesized and used for the epoxidation of unsaturation present in the canola oil. The physicochemical properties were studied to measure the surface and bulk properties of prepared SnO2 and sulfated-SnO2 samples. Process optimization studies were performed for parameters such as catalyst loading, ethylenic unsaturation in canola oil to hydrogen peroxide molar ratio, ethylenic unsaturation in canola oil to acetic acid molar ratio, and temperature. Sulfated-SnO2 demonstrated promising catalytic activity with 100% conversion of unsaturation in canola oil to epoxy canola oil in 6 h at optimum process conditions. Based on the experimental results and kinetic data, a Langmuir–Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson type mechanism was proposed, and the reaction followed pseudo first order. Calculated energy of activation was 17.75 kcal/mol. The tribological properties of epoxy canola oil such as lubricity property in terms of wear scar length, kinematic viscosities, viscosity index, oxidative induction time, cloud point, and pour point were measured.

This study demonstrates the evaluation and comparison of the lubricity properties of the biolubricants prepared from the feed stocks such as canola oil and canola biodiesel. Biolubricant from canola biodiesel has a low cloud and pour point properties, better friction and antiwear properties, low phase transition temperature, is less viscous, and has the potential to substitute petroleum-based automotive lubricants. Biolubricant from canola oil has high thermal stability and is more viscous and more effective at higher temperature conditions. This study elucidates that both the biolubricants are attractive, renewable, and ecofriendly substitutes for the petroleum-based lubricants.

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Canola oil and canola biodiesel derived alkoxides are prepared in the present investigation through a series of structural modifications. Epoxidation of canola oil and canola biodiesel were carried out by hydrogen peroxide using IR-120 as an acidic catalyst. The alkoxylation of epoxidized feedstocks was promoted using 2-propanol and tert-Butyl alcohol in the presence of montmorillonite catalyst and optimum reaction conditions were obtained for complete epoxide conversion to alkoxylated products as follows: reaction temperature of 90 • C, epoxide to alcohol molar ratio of 1:6, and reaction time between 6 and 8 h. The products were identified with one-and two-dimensional Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) techniques, and the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the alkoxylation reactions were also investigated. The thermo-oxidative stability, rheology, biodegradability and lubricity properties of the prepared alkoxides were determined using American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and American Oil Chemists Society (AOCS) standard methods. Structural modification of the feedstocks enhanced the significant properties for lubrication and exhibited their potential application as gear and engine oils.

and interactions among the process variables. The reaction followed Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson type mechanism and the kinetic data was fitted in overall second order equation. Calculated apparent activation energy was 23.1 kcal/mol.