Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Soybean Oil and Its Evaluation as a Biodegradable Multifunctional Additive in the Formulation of Eco-Friendly Lubricant

Abstract

A homopolymer of soybean oil (SBO) and its copolymer with methyl acrylate (MA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) as a multifunctional additive for lubricating oil were synthesized by the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method. The polymerization was carried out at 90°C with microwave irradiation (MI) using anhydrous FeCl 3 as catalyst, diethylenetriamine (DETA) as ligand, AIBN (azobis(isobutyronitrile)) as initiator, toluene as solvent, and metallic Fe as the reducing agent. Characterization of the prepared polymers was performed by spectral (NMR, IR) and SEC-GPC analysis. Performance evaluation of the polymers as antiwear (AW), pour point depressant (PPD), viscosity modifier/viscosity index improver (VII) in different mineral base oils were done by standard ASTM methods. The biodegradability test of the polymers was carried out by the soil burial test (SBT) method. Thermal stability of each was also investigated. The performances were compared and reported. The copolymers showed better performances compared to the homopolymer of SBO.

Chemically Modifying Vegetable Oils to Prepare Green Lubricants

“…Thermally polymerized soybean oil mixed with additives and diluents was used as a bio-based gear oil [142]. In our previous work, free radical polymerization of vegetable oils and their application as eco-friendly lubricant additives has been discussed [17][18][19]143,144]. Biresaw et al [145] described the application of bio-based polyesters as an extreme pressure additive in mineral oil.…”

Microwave-assisted rapid synthesis of a polyether from a plant oil derived monomer and its optimization by Box–Behnken design

“…While diverse chemistry can be applied to vegetable oils for the production of several types of monomers and polymers, only minor modication reactions are necessary in order to obtain suitable monomers for many different applications. 5 Canola oil, 6 soybean oil, 7 castor oil, 8 and high oleic sunower oil 5 are the common vegetable oils used directly for making biopolymers. Another approach, however, is to design biodegradable polymers through synthesis of monomers from plant oils and further polymerization into desired biopolymers.…”

Cu nanoparticles decorated WS2 nanosheets as a lubricant additive for enhanced tribological performance

“…[1][2][3] Lubricant additives play a vital role in improving the eld service performance of base oil and in extending its service lifetime. 4,5 Anti-wear and friction reduction additives are common lubricant additives that are widely used in lubricating oil. 6 Since the invention of graphene, two-dimensional nanomaterials have been the focus of intense research due to their extraordinary physical and mechanical properties and have shown immense potential for use in a wide range of applications, particularly in lubricants.…”