2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): Synthesize, characterize and develop new biobased molecules for use as components of biobased lubricants. Initial work will focus on novel oleochemical-based ethoxylated oils synthesized at a collaborator laboratory. Other functional groups (e.g., amides and esters) will be synthesized and investigated later in the program. 1b.Approach (from AD-416): Novel molecules will be synthesized and characterized in the labs of colleagues in Poland; evaluated for various tribological characteristics by colleagues in Poland, Lithuania, and ARS; formulated for specific lubrication applications and tested at ARS and collaborator labs. 3.Progress Report: New bio-based materials, palm- and coco-oil-based ethoxylates, were synthesized at the MEXEO Company in Poland and evaluated at the Technical University of Radom. The materials are of interest as bio-based additives in water-based lubricants. The effect of these materials on the viscosity, surface tension and tribological properties (ball-on-disk tribometer) of water were evaluated. The new materials reduced the surface tension of water and slightly increased its viscosity. The materials resulted in considerable improvement of the friction and wear properties of water. The results indicate that these materials have potential as additives in water-based lubricants for use in metalworking and other applications. More tests and development work is planned.