Tribological Characteristics of Calophyllum inophyllum–Based TMP (Trimethylolpropane) Ester as Energy-Saving and Biodegradable Lubricant

Abstract

The purpose of this research is an experimental study of Calophyllum inophyllum (CI)-based trymethylolpropane (TMP) ester as an energy-saving and biodegradable lubricant and compare it with commercial lubricant and paraffin mineral oil using a four-ball tribometer. CI-based TMP ester is a renewable lubricant that is nonedible, biodegradable, and nontoxic and has net zero greenhouse gases. The TMP ester was produced from CI oil, which has high lubricity properties such as higher density, higher viscosity at both 40°C and 100°C and higher viscosity index (VI). Experiments were conducted during 3,600 s with constant load of 40 kg and constant sliding speed of 1,200 rpm at temperatures of 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100°C for all three types of lubricant. The results show that CI TMP ester had the lowest coefficient of friction (COF) as well as lower consumption of energy at all test temperatures, but the worn surface roughness average (Ra) and wear scar diameter were higher compared to paraffin mineral oil and commercial lubricant. Before 80°C, CI TMP ester actually has a higher flash temperature parameter (FTP) than paraffin mineral oil and as the temperature increases, the FTP of TMP ester decreases. The worn surfaces of the stationary balls were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and results show that CI TMP ester has the highest wear compared to paraffin mineral oil and lowest wear compared to commercial lubricant. However, CI TMP ester is environmentally desired, competitive to commercial lubricant, and its use should be encouraged.