Biolubricant Product Development

Industrial biolubricant product development starts from setting minimum requirements and performances for given applications and consists of defining the most suitable raw materials and processes at the lowest possible cost. Performance testing of the proposed biolubricant formulations by standardised methods is an integral part of the technological development process. Various industry-university consortia have joined R&D efforts. Many collective (inter) national research projects are illustrated. In particular, the development of environmentally friendly lubricant compositions for internal combustion engines, stabilised high-oleic base oil formulations, high-stability biobased polyol esters, hydroxyl esters and branched biodegradable lubricants are highlighted. The origin of biodiesel lubricity is attributed.