Researcher(s)
- Alexander Perros, Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Sunitha Sadula, Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware
- Dionysios Vlachos, Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware
Abstract
As the demand for lubricants grows, environmental regulations and public attention are causing the industry to adopt more sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. Currently, polyalphaolefins (PAOs) are the industry leader in lubricants due to their availability in a wide range of viscosity grades, but they are dependent on fossil fuels and produced under harmful conditions. Previous research by my group has successfully uncovered the chemistry required to develop biomass-derived C30 hydrocarbons in high yield percentages with comparable properties to PAOs. The aim of this project is to synthesize similar C30 hydrocarbons with branching to study its effect on properties. Ideal lubricant properties include: low pour point, viscosity, low volatility, and high thermal and oxidative stability. In this study, the branched bio-lubricant is compared against the bio-lubricant mentioned previously as the control. To synthesize the branched bio lubricant, a two-step process, hydroalkylation (HAA) then hydrodeoxygenation (HDO), was used. This process involved coupling the reactants, 2-methylundecanal and 2-pentylfuran, then eliminating reactive oxygen species and carbon double bonds. The HAA reaction was optimized at 10 hours, and the subsequent HDO reaction took 12 hours. Finally, viscosity measurements were taken using the industry standard method (ASTM D2270). Additional measurements that are yet to be taken are pour point, Noack volatility, and DSC oxidation temperature. Furthermore, the prospect of blending bio-lubricants proposes more opportunities to study and manipulate properties. The results obtained provide valuable insight into the potential of bio lubricants as an alternative to traditional PAOs.