An investigation of the use of soybean oil in hydraulic systems

Green waxes, adhesives and lubricants

“…In all of these technical properties, the vegetable oils are comparable to or better than mineral oils (Ethan et al 2008). Vegetable oils have demonstrated potential for use in biodegradable lubricants in applications that include engine oils, hydraulic fluids and transmission oils (Honary 1996;Arnsek & Vizintin 1999a,b;Arnsek & Viztntin 2001;Erhan et al 2006a). Biodegradability provides an indication of the persistence of any particular substance in the environment and is the yardstick for assessing the eco friendliness of substances (Aluyor et al 2009).…”

“…Some of these problems can be resolved by avoiding or modifying polyunsaturation in TAG structures of vegetable oils. Genetic modification (Schmidt et al 2006) by reducing or eliminating unsaturation (Asadauskas et al 1996;Honary 1996) and use of additives (antioxidants and pour point depressants; Sharma et al 2007b) can overcome these shortcomings to some extent. Another way to improve these properties of vegetable oils is chemical modification of fatty acid chains of triglycerides at sites of double bond and carboxyl groups.…”

Designing Small Molecules for Biodegradability

“…Envirotemp FR3 is an example of a commercially available soy-based fluid and is used by a small but significant number of U.S. utilities (http://www.cooperpower.com/News/). Vegetable oils have also emerged as alternatives to petroleum-based lubricants, 45 and canola oils have typical oleic acid contents of 26 and 54%, respectively, 50 but seed oils with high (75%) or ultrahigh (∼85%) oleic acid content and reduced levels of polyunsaturated acids, such as linolenic acid, have been developed. 46 Estolides constitute an entirely different approach to biodegradable but oxidation-stable lubricants.…”

Tribology of Green Lubricants

“…The presence of highly polyunsaturated fatty acids in its composition was responsible for the formation of polymeric film on the oil when it was exposed to air. Although a slight swelling of hoses was observed, the soybean oil had similar compatibility with rubber hoses as that of other oils [46,47].…”