Rheological and tribological properties of Jatropha curcas biolubricants at various blend concentrations

Abstract

The following study explores the viability of using jatropha biolubricant to improve on and potentially replace traditional petroleum-based lubricants, as the resource becomes increasingly scarce. Jatropha biolubricant was blended with a semi-synthetic oil at various concentrations, and rheological and tribological properties were assessed. Properties investigated include viscosity, sound velocity, wear, and friction. The tests revealed that the jatropha blends could improve upon the properties of the semi-synthetic oil. Properties such as viscosity are reduced with the addition of jatropha oil. Tribological property tests were conducted between the jatropha biolubricants but disclose important data on the reduction of wear and friction by the oil. It revealed that of the three lubricant blends which were tested, the 20% jatropha biolubricant was the most effective in reducing the friction and in turn the wear of the pin used in the test. This study reveals that there are many benefits to using jatropha biolubricant as a blend with semi-synthetic oils. It has the potential to replace mineral oils which are used in semi-synthetics. Of the blends tested the 20% blend concentration yielded the best results and is the most promising candidate of the blends which were assessed.