ARS | Publication request: Boron brings big benefits to bio-based blends

Submitted to: Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 21, 2012
Publication Date: May 5, 2013
Citation: Doll, K.M., Sharma, B.K., Myslinska, M., Heise, G.L. 2013. Boron brings big benefits to bio-based blends [abstract]. Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers Annual Meeting & Expo. p. 68.

Technical Abstract: The solution to the problems with bio-based lubrication can be approached by a combination of blending and additive strategies. However, many additives do not show efficacy when used in bio-based lubricants. Additive addition also lowers the bio-based content of the blend, which in turn limits the amount of effective co-lubricant that can be added to the blend. Utilizing an epoxidation route, a family of boron-containing additives was synthesized, characterized, and studied. These additives show good compatibility with soybean oil and thus can be used in a bio-based gear oil formulation. The new additive is effective at delivering bio-based gear oil as good as earlier formulations, with an even higher bio-based content. For example, in a traditional 4-ball wear test, the observed wear scar diameter of a soybean oil test could be reduced from 0.61 mm to only 0.41 mm and a second additive increased oxidation onset by 14 deg C.