Penetration of esters, derived from vegetable oils, for friction reduction

Rapidly advancing metathesis processes yield a variety of esters, which can be manufactured from vegetable oils or Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME). Esters, produced from non- food oils, such as Crambe and Camelina, are of particular interest. Dicarboxylic linear unsaturated α-ω methyl esters can be produced by FAME self-metathesis. Their trans- esterification with 2-ethyl hexanol (2EH) and other branched alcohols can lead to compounds, which are more effective than mineral oils in lubricant-related parameters. In addition, they can act as nanopore fillers for anodized alumina by penetrating into the coating and assuring formation of a lubricant layer in the friction zone.

Penetration into Hydraulic Fluid (HF) market is especially promising, because some dibasic esters have already established themselves as viable HF basestocks. Saturated diesters such as di-2EH azelate (C9:0) and di-2EH sebacate (C10:0) have been used there for several decades. Recent developments show that monounsaturated diesters can lead to improved fluidity, lower volatility, slower heat-thinning and many other desirable properties. Influence of the double bonds on lubricity is less evident and thus pursued here.