ARS | Publication request: Advances in bio-lubricant development

Submitted to: Bio Environmental Polymer Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 13, 2010
Publication Date: October 13, 2010
Citation: Biresaw, G. 2010. Advances in bio-lubricant development [abstract]. Bio Environmental Polymer Society. p. 49.

Technical Abstract: Bio-lubricants are those based on natural sources such as those harvested from farms. There is a great deal of interest in bio-lubricants because of their potential to provide a number of environmental, health, safety, and economic benefits over petroleum-based products. It is anticipated that widespread use of bio-lubricants will result in a number of environmental benefits, including reduced emission of greenhouse gases, as well as reduced release of toxic waste stream into the air, rivers, and land. However, development of bio-lubricants that successfully compete with petroleum-based lubricants, both in performance and price, will require solving a number of scientific and developmental problems. Key among these is certain inherent weaknesses in the tribological properties of natural raw materials of interest in bio-lubricant formulations. In this keynote address, research efforts at overcoming critical technical and scientific hurdles in the development of bio-lubricants will be discussed.