In this study, a facile synthesis method was employed
to create
lignin-castor oil-based oleogels by modifying organic lignin with
two silane coupling agents. The resulting oleogels demonstrated outstanding
lubricating and antioxidation properties, establishing them as promising
green lubricating greases. Compared with the pure castor oil, the
oxidation induction time (OIT) value of the synthesized oleogels was
significantly increased from 20 s (pure castor oil) to 1959 s (oleogel
with 20 wt % lignin), indicating an effective improvement of the oxidation
resistance. The steel contacts lubricated by the synthesized oleogel
also had lower wear than those lubricated by pure castor oil, signifying
the better lubricating properties of oleogels. The oleogel with 20
wt % lignin showed the lowest wear, which was around 64% lower than
that of pure castor oil. The exceptional performance and environmentally
sustainable composition of these oleogels, with the biomass content
exceeding 80%, allow them to be used as green lubricating greases
for industrial applications. Overall, this study provides valuable
insights into the development of high-performance, eco-friendly lubricants.