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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #160199
Title: FUNCTIONAL FLUIDS FROM NEW CROP OILS

Author
item Cermak, Steven - Steve
item Isbell, Terry

Submitted to: American Oil Chemists' Society Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/26/2004
Publication Date: 5/12/2004
Citation: CERMAK, S.C., ISBELL, T. FUNCTIONAL FLUIDS FROM NEW CROP OILS. AMERICAN OIL CHEMISTS' SOCIETY MEETING. 2004.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Lesquerella fendleri is a member of the genus Lesquerella of the Brassicaceae (mustard) family. Lesquerella is a developing oilseed crop currently grown in the Southwestern U.S., 40 acres in 2003. The oil is very attractive due to high levels (53%) of the hydroxy fatty acid, 14-hydroxy-cis-11-eicosenoic acid (lesquerolic acid). Estolides derived from lesquerella and castor 2-ethylhexyl esters with different saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were synthesized. These new estolides produced a series of functional fluids with excellent cold temperature properties having pour points <-53 deg C. Poor cold temperature properties is one of the traditional problems with vegetable oils. However, with the addition of additives these properties can sometimes be improved. These new estolides have been designed to meet these cold weather demands without additives. Synthesis of estolides from the fatty esters will be discussed as well as their physical properties, which include pour and cloud points, viscosities, and colors. Comparisons will be made to other estolide technology and commercially available materials.