Synthesis and properties of trimethylolpropane trioleate as lubricating base oil

Abstract

Trimethylolpropane trioleate (TMPTO) has been prepared by esterification of oleic acid with trimethylolpropane (TMP) without solvent in the presence of solid acid catalyst. The synthesised TMPTO was characterised by infrared spectroscopy, and its physicochemical properties were also evaluated. The compatibilities of TMPTO as lubricant base stock with several conventional additives for mineral oils were investigated. The results showed that the synthesised TMPTO exhibited excellent viscosity–temperature property and low temperature fluidity, high flash point, good foaming stability, hydrolytic stability, and lubricity. In addition, TMPTO possessed good compatibility with conventional additives designed for mineral oils. In particular, zinc dialkyl dithiophosphates as extreme pressure and anti‐wear additive exhibited good extreme pressure and anti‐wear properties in TMPTO. Therefore, the synthesised TMPTO can be used as potential lubricating base oil due to its excellent comprehensive performance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Tribological characterisation of plant oil derived fatty acid esters of higher polyols: Comparative experimental study

“…Using conventional methods for the synthesis of fatty acid esters of higher polyols (eg, using homogeneous sulfonic acid catalyst) is difficult to achieve the similar valuable results (yield and selectivity to full esters). High‐purity fatty acid esters can be obtain but only after high vacuum distillation of the crude product . High conversions of fatty acid, even close to 99%, have been reported, but in this process, an excess of fatty acid was used, which must be removed from crude product in order to obtain the final product .…”

“…High-purity fatty acid esters can be obtain but only after high vacuum distillation of the crude product. 42,43 High conversions of fatty acid, even close to 99%, have been reported, but in this process, an excess of fatty acid was used, which must be removed from crude product in order to obtain the final product. 17 No side reactions were observed during our process.…”

“…Most of above listed difficulties can be avoided by the use of heterogeneous catalyst. In literature, we can be find many of specific and effective catalysts used in the synthesis of polyol fatty acid esters, in particular acidic Zr, Al, Si mixed oxides, superacids, and heteropolyacids . Heterogeneous catalysts are characterised by several advantages.…”

“…In literature, we can be find many of specific and effective catalysts used in the synthesis of polyol fatty acid esters, in particular acidic Zr, Al, Si mixed oxides, superacids, and heteropolyacids. [38][39][40][41][42][43] Heterogeneous catalysts are characterised by several advantages. Unfortunately, economically acceptable uses of heterogeneous catalysts require their recovery and reuse.…”

Comparison of the oxidation resistance of synthetic ester oils DOA and TDTM: Experimental evaluation and theoretical calculation

“…Synthetic esters, including di‐isooctyl adipate (DOA) and tri‐isodecyl trimellitate (TDTM), are one of the most important types of synthetic oil. Many outstanding properties (eg, high thermal‐oxidative stability, excellent lubricating property and biodegradability, low volatility, and low temperature fluidity) encourage the use of ester oils in many fields, including the aerospace and automotive industries . Currently, the increasingly harsh operating conditions of mechanical equipment, such as heavy loads and high speeds, result in elevated working temperatures in lubrication systems.…”