Analysis of Properties of Biolubricant Obtained from Blends of Used Palm Oil

Vegetable oils are providing alternatives as renewable sources for the production of ecofriendly biolubricants due to increasing environmental challenges, depleting mineral energy reserves, and cost of production from fossil sources. This study evaluates the quality parameters of biolubricant obtained from used palm oil (UPO). The crude UPO was filtered, centrifuged at 500 rpm, and dried over Na₂SO₄ crystals overnight. The quality parameters of the pretreated UPO (PUPO) were analysed to authenticate its potential for the production of multigrade lubricating oils. Kinematic viscosities at 100°C (8.26±0.03 cSt) and 40°C (36.98±0.01 cSt) were determined according to ASTMD-446 method, while the viscosity index (208±0.11) was determined according to ASTMD-2270 method. A design of experiment (Mixture Design Method using Minitab 17) was used to determine the proportion of PUPO (68.75%), SN 500 (23.75%), and additives (7.50%) that gave the mixture with the optimum quality parameters of the produced biolubricant. The produced biolubricant had kinematic viscosities at 100oC (10.72±0.13 cSt) and 40°C (59.32±0.20 cSt) respectively, a viscosity index of 173±0.10, flash point of 234±1.13°C, pour point of -31±0.10°C, acid value of 21.04±1.21 mg KOH g-¹, and iodine value of 1.28±1.40 mg I₂ g-¹. The produced biolubricant has quality parameters that are comparable to available biolubricating oil and was also found within standards for engine oils.

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F. J. Owuna
Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.
Department of Biochemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.
E-mail: jzr4do@gmail.com

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