Formulation of Lubricant from Calabash Seed Oil

Abstract

The engine oil market is faced with complex chemical reactions and difficult chemical engineering involved in the formulation of synthetic based engine oils, and therefore, the need to source for alternative base oils for engine oil formulation from vegetable oils has become urgent and inevitable. This research is aimed at formulation of lubricant using calabash seed oil (CSO). An experiment designed (Mixture Design Method using Minitab 17) was used to obtain the blend of CSO (28.75%), SN 500 (68.75%), and additive (2.50%) with improved physicochemical parameters. The lubricant obtained had kinematic viscosities 9.30±2.11 cSt (at 100°C) and 53.11±1.03 cSt (at 40°C), a viscosity index of 167±0.51, flash point of 240±2.01°C, and pour point of -28±1.31°C. The lubricant obtained in this research had quality parameters that are comparable to those of synthesised environmentally acceptable engine oils, and are within the standard for engine oils.