Petroleum-based Oils Research Articles

Evaluation of suitability of sesame oil as an alternative for aromatic processing oil in natural rubber composites

Polycyclic aromatic oils, high in aromatic content are used in tyre compounds as processing aids and these have been found to be carcinogenic. Therefore, it is necessary to find processing aids consisting of a low content of aromatics which would help to overcome the problem associated with the use of petroleum-based aromatic oils. The main aim of this research was to develop carbon black filled natural rubber (NR) composites using environmentally friendly sesame oil as the processing aid. Initially sesame oil was characterized using Fourier Transform Infra-Red analysis. Thereafter, a series of NR based tyre tread compounds was prepared by varying the sesame oil loading from 3-9 phr at 2 phr intervals. Cure characteristics, physico-mechanical and swelling properties of these composites were evaluated and compared with those of the composite prepared with the aromatic processing oil, Dutrex-R (control). Dispersibility of carbon black in all the NR composites was assessed. Viscosity, processing safety and cure rate of the composite produced with 5 phr sesame oil were higher compared to the control and indicated that the oil behaves as a co-activator in rubber compounds. Hardness, modulus at 100% elongation and abrasion volume loss of the vulcanizates prepared with more than 5 phr sesame oil were lower, whereas tensile strength, elongation at break and resilience were higher than those of the control. Tear strength and compression set of the vulcanizates prepared with 5 phr sesame oil were comparable to those of the control. Further, the former vulcanizate showed a higher and lower swelling indices in toluene and water, respectively compared to the control. Furthermore, the vulcanizates prepared with sesame oil showed better ageing resistance in comparison to the control. Hence, sesame oil could be a suitable alternative for Dutrex-R in tyre tread compounds at 5 phr level.

Effect of Shea butter as plasticizer on natural rubber-carbon black reinforced composites

This paper presents the effect of eco-friendly plasticizer, Shea butter oil (SBO) in rubber compounding involving Carbon black (CB)-filled Natural rubber (NR). The SBO based compounds (SBC) was systematically investigated and the results were compared with compositions prepared with Petroleum-based oil (PO). Although, some of the measured properties were comparable between SBC and POC, however, the SBC generally exhibited better properties compared to the POC. For example, the SBC coded NS5: (NR-50 parts per hundred parts of rubber (phr) CB-5phr SBO) and NS40 (NR-50 phr CB-40 phr SBO) obtained 7 and 17% greater than NT5 (NR-50 phr CB-5phr PO) and NT40 (NR-50 phr CB-40 phr PO), respectively, based on 300 and 100% modulus ratio (M300/M100). In terms of reinforcement measured by bound rubber content, BR (%), NS5 and NS40 recorded higher BR (%) of 9 and 48% than NT5 and NT40, respectively. The NS5 > NT5 by 12 and 7% in terms of crosslinking density and rebound resilience, respectively. Also, the NS5 > NT5 and NS40 > NT40 by 40 and 75%, respectively, in terms of fatigue life behavior. Such enhancement has been linked to successful distribution of the CB particles assisted by SBO within the matrix of NR. While the SBO is economical and has high potential to substitute the PO which is already suspected to be carcinogenic and environmentally unfriendly, SBO has exhibited good plasticizing effect for rubber compounding, especially as curing activators for recipe intended for manufacturing rubber articles.

Relationship between thermoreversible and irreversible aging in rejuvenated asphalt binder

Rejuvenators are now widely used to restore performance of aged asphalt. A critical factor that controls performance of pavements in service is age hardening of the binder. Hence, both reversible and irreversible processes need to be accounted for in order to ensure durable designs. Thermoreversible processes are affected by irreversible aging, but how the two interact remains largely unexplored for rejuvenated binders. A straight Cold Lake PG 58-28 binder was blended with castor oil residue (COR), soybean oil residue (SOR) and petroleum-based aromatic oil (ARO) rejuvenators. Standard Extended Bending Beam Rheometer (EBBR, AASHTO TP 122) tests were conducted to assess thermoreversible aging. Non-isothermal crystallization kinetics were investigated using Modulated Differential Scanning Calorimetry (MDSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Standard Rolling Thin-Film Oven (RTFO) followed by 20 h of Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) conditioning proved sufficient to differentiate thermoreversible aging tendencies. However, EBBR grade losses increased significantly upon extended aging. Rejuvenated compositions fared worse in comparison to straight Cold Lake binder. Three-day grade losses for the PG 58-28 ranged from 1.8 °C (unaged) to 9 °C (100 h PAV). In contrast, the ARO blend lost 0.8 °C (unaged) increasing to a significant 15 °C (100 h PAV).

Characterization of biosurfactant produced in response to petroleum crude oil stress by Bacillus sp. WD22 in marine environment.

Bacillus sp. WD22, previously isolated from refinery effluent, degraded 71% of C8 hydrocarbons present in 1.0% v/v PCO in seawater (control medium), which reduced to 16.3%, on addition of yeast extract. The bacteria produced a biosurfactant in both media, whose surface was observed to be amorphous in nature under FESEM-EDAX analysis. The biosurfactant was characterized as a linear surfactin by LCMS and FT-IR analysis. The critical micelle concentration was observed as 50mg/L and 60mg/L at which the surface tension of water was reduced to 30 mN/m. Purified biosurfactant could emulsify petroleum-based oils and vegetable oils effectively and was stable at all tested conditions of pH, salinity and temperature up to 80°C. The biosurfactant production was found to be mixed growth associated in control medium, while it was strictly growth associated in medium with yeast extract as studied by the Leudeking-Piret model.

Liquid Guayule Natural Rubber, a Sustainable Processing Aid, Enhances the Processability, Durability and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Rubber Composites.

Petroleum-based oils are widely used as processing aids in rubber composites to improve processability but can adversely affect rubber composite performance and increase carbon footprint. In this research, liquid guayule natural rubber (LGNR), produced from guayule natural rubber, was used as a renewable processing aid to replace naphthenic oil (NO) in Hevea natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and guayule natural rubber (GNR) composites. The rheological properties, thermal stability, glass transition temperature, dynamic mechanical properties, aging, and ozone resistance of rubber composites with and without NO or LGNR were compared. Natural and synthetic rubber composites made with LGNR had similar processability to those made with NO, but had improved thermal stability, mechanical properties after aging, and ozone resistance. This was due to the strong LGNR–filler interaction and additional crosslinks formed between LGNR and the rubber matrices. The glass transition temperature of SBR composites was reduced by LGNR because of its increased molecular mobility. Thus, unlike NO, LGNR processing aid can simultaneously improve rubber composite durability, dynamic performance and renewability. The commercialization of LGNR has the potential to open a new sustainable processing-aid market.

Potential of epoxidized palm oil as a green alternative to rubber processing oils

Sustainability is a growing concern in the rubber industry particularly due to the vast amount of environmental issues associated with the manufacturing process. The dependencies of hydrocarbons as Rubber Processing Oils (RPOs) throughout the compounding process is an area that is being heavily researched in search for greener alternatives. This study aims to determine the viability of a naturally available vegetable oil, Epoxidized Palm Oil (EPO), as a substitute to the current petroleum-based rubber processing oils. Therefore, the processability, cure characteristics as well as mechanical properties of the rubber compounds with EPO were benchmarked with those of the standard rubber compounds prepared with selected petroleum oils; Paraffin Oil, Aromatic Oil and Naphthenic Oil. The finding from this report suggests that EPO is a viable substitute to petroleum-derived RPOs as it performs within the acceptable range as the compounds with the other RPOs.

Wetting behaviour of a Green cutting fluid (GCF); influence of surface roughness and surface energy of AA5052, Ti6Al4V and EN31

Green Cutting fluids (GCFs) are biodegradable and eco-friendly alternatives that can be employed in metalworking processes. They facilitate better tool service life and surface quality by removing the heat built, reducing coefficients of friction at tool-chip, and tool-work interfaces, flushing away the chip and preventing the formation of Built-up edges (BUEs). Conventionally, mineral oil (MO) based CFs are used, which can cause serious health hazards in humans as well as negatively impact the environment. Sustainable Green-cutting fluids (GCF) were found to be the solution for reducing the issues raised by the MO-based cutting fluids. The GCF used in the present study was synthesized using coconut oil (Cocos Nucifera) as the base, which is a clean, bio-degradable and eco-friendly substitute for petroleum-based mineral oils. This work is focused on experimentally determining the effectiveness of green cutting fluids on surfaces of (Aluminium)AA5052, (Titanium alloy)Ti6AL4V and Steel(EN31) with various surface topographies. In order to do so, the wetting properties were measured by a stable contact angle θ between the solid–liquid surface and the vapour-liquid interface. Wettability responses from the roughened surfaces in the range of 0.06–2.1 µm was evaluated using a profilometer and contact angle goniometer. Results show that the wetting characteristics of GCF are comparable to that of the MO-based CFs and can be a viable alternative, thus reducing the adverse effects on the environment. In conclusion, this study shows the potential of GCFas an alternative to MO-based cutting fluids used in machining operations in the manufacturing industries.

Synergistic Study of Solid Lubricant Nano-Additives Incorporated in canola oil for Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

In recent years, with the development of eco-friendly lubricants, different vegetable oils have been studied and found to improve the overall tribological performance compared to petroleum-based oils. Being one of the commonly used vegetable oils, canola oil has become popular due to its non-toxicity and low cost. However, this bio-lubricant lacks tribological performance compared to petroleum-based oils. To improve its performance, sustainable solid additives such as graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) have recently gained the researcher’s attention. While incorporating nanomaterials in the oil as additives is a promising way to improve base oil’s performance, the excessive use of nanoparticles can introduce undesirable effects. This study investigated canola oil’s tribological performances with the addition of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt.% GNP and 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt.% hBN nanoparticles. The dynamic viscosities of these seven settings showed higher viscosity for GNP-incorporated oils compared to that with hBN. The boundary lubrication regime was targeted for the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear analyses during each pin on the disk test. It was observed that for the GNP, 1.5 wt.% provided the minimum COF (52% less than base oil), whereas, for the hBN, 1.0 wt.% provided the lowest (40% less than base oil) values. Based on these insights, three nano lubricant mixtures were formulated by incorporating both GNP and hBN settings in different ratios. These mixtures provided an optimum positive synergy by reducing 56% friction and 90% wear compared to the base oil. These percentage values were significantly more compared to both GNP and hBN based lubricants in their individual settings. These improvements in the mixture were due to a composite film formed which protected the interacting surfaces and also due to the polishing mechanisms. Therefore, incorporating both these nanoparticles in canola oil could reduce friction and wear and thus help in better energy conservation.

Effects of Petroleum-Based Oils as Dispersing Aids on Physicochemical Characteristics of Magnetorheological Elastomers.

This paper investigated the effects of petroleum-based oils (PBOs) as a dispersing aid on the physicochemical characteristics of natural rubber (NR)-based magnetorheological elastomers (MREs). The addition of PBOs was expected to overcome the low performance of magnetorheological (MR) elastomers due to their inhomogeneous dispersion and the mobility of magnetic particles within the elastomer matrix. The NR-based MREs were firstly fabricated by mixing the NR compounds homogeneously with different ratios of naphthenic oil (NO), light mineral oil (LMO), and paraffin oil (PO) to aromatic oil (AO), with weight percentage ratios of 100:0, 70:30, 50:50, and 30:70, respectively. From the obtained results, the ratios of NO mixed with low amounts of AO improved the material physicochemical characteristics, such as thermal properties. Meanwhile, LMO mixed the AO led to the best results for curing characteristics, microstructure observation, and magnetic properties of the MREs. We found that the LMO mixed with a high content of AO could provide good compatibility between the rubber molecular and magnetic particles due to similar chemical structures, which apparently enhance the physicochemical characteristics of MREs. In conclusion, the 30:70 ratio of LMO:AO is considered the preferable dispersing aid for MREs due to structural compounds present in the oil that enhance the physicochemical characteristics of the NR-based MREs.

Application of Different Vegetable Oils as Processing Aids in Industrial Rubber Composites: A Sustainable Approach.

Rubber composites based on renewable vegetable oils are being increasingly developed, as these materials significantly reduce the use of petroleum-based carcinogenic oils as plasticizers in rubber products. Apart from renewability, vegetable oils have some major advantages, such as easy availability, biodegradability, and environmentally friendly nature. Until now, vegetable oils, such as palm oil, soybean oil, and linseed oil, have been successfully used as processing oils to replace petroleum-based oils in engineered rubber composites. So far, the concept of a vegetable-oil-based plasticizer has been applied to rubber composites containing different industrially important fillers, like carbon black, silica, calcium carbonate, and expandable graphite. In the near future, the trend of utilizing vegetable-oil-based plasticizers may bring considerable advancements in the performance of filled rubber composites in an environmentally acceptable and sustainable manner.

Application of Steam Enhanced Extraction Method on BTEX Contaminated Soil in A Nigerian Petroleum Depot and Automobile Workshop Sites in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria

The contamination of soil in the environment is a natural consequence of industrialization and urbanization. Organic chemical pollutants dissolve into groundwater, absorb and adsorb into soil grains. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) are major causes of contaminated soil. This is due to fuel leakages or spillages, various forms of hydrocarbon burning/combustion and land disposal petroleum base oil. Contaminated soil samples were excavated from two different locations within the Ilorin metropolis; pipelines and products marketing company, a Nigerian petroleum depot, Ilorin depot and auto mechanic workshop of over ten years. Steam enhanced extraction method was employed through injection of steam to contaminated soil from steam generator into soil pot where contaminated soil was placed. The condensation of steam on soil particles provides energy to release desorbed contaminants molecules from the soil and the mobilized contaminants vapor was transferred into the recovery pot via the pipe that was connected to the soil pot. After the remediation process, the steamed soil samples were taken to the laboratory where the sonication extraction technique was used to extract the contaminants (BTEX) from the steamed soil samples of 30, 60 and 90 minutes respectively. The extract from the steamed soil samples of 30, 60 and 90 minutes was subjected to Gas Chromatography fitted with flame ionization detector analysis to determine the exact amount of BTEX removed after the remediation process. Pre-treated soil sample of auto mechanics workshop was found to be 4.5004 x 10-1 mg/kg and post-treated soil samples were found to be 1.8164 x10-1 mg/kg, 8.7519 x10-1 mg/kg and 5.7006 x10-2 mg/kg for 30, 60 and 90 minutes respectively after remediation process while Pre-treated soil sample of a Nigerian petroleum depot was found to be 6.6049 x 10-1 mg/kg and post-treated soil samples were found to be 2.9320 x10-1 mg/kg, 1.9855 x10-1 mg/kg and 1.0237 x10-1 mg/kg for 30, 60 and 90 minutes respectively after the remediation process. This study established the effectiveness of the remediation process of hydrocarbon contaminated soil using steam enhanced extraction method an In situ remediation technique.

Experimental study on physical properties of modified jatropha oil-based nanofluids for machining purposes

Vegetable-based crude jatropha oil (CJO) was utilized to substitute petroleum-based oil as a metalworking fluid. The usage of petroleum-oil based as a metalworking fluid causes a major concern to the environment and health issues. Besides that, it has a high quantity of free fatty acid (FFA), which causes physical deterioration. This study aims to physically test the new formulation oil-based on modified jatropha nanofluids as the metalworking fluid for machining purposes. To create modified jatropha oil (MJO), CJO was chemically modified through the esterification and transesterification process. MJO was combined with nanoparticles which are activated carbon (AC) at the concentration of 0.01 wt%, 0.025 wt% and 0.05 wt% to create the nanofluids. The properties of MJO nanofluids were tested using ASTM standards for viscosity and acid value and were compared with the synthetic ester (SE). All of the results indicate that the physical qualities improved during the storage period. MJOa3 (MJO + 0.05 wt% AC), it may be inferred, has potential as a long-term metalworking fluid for the machining process. Based on the experiment result, for kinematic viscosity, MJOa3 shows better results during the period from day 1 to day 7 compared to non-additive MJO. MJOa3 recorded the highest viscosity index (184). In addition, MJOs have the lowest acid value of 0.4 to 0.48 mg NaOH/g. In conclusion, the presence of AC helps MJO to improve their properties and MJOa3 shows excellent lubricant properties from all the samples.

Alternative liquid dielectrics in power transformer insulation: a review

Transformer liquid dielectrics evolved where mineral oil has been the dominant choice until emergence of synthetic esters and natural esters. Natural ester-based oils have been under extensive investigations to enhance their properties for replacing petroleum-based mineral oil, which is non-biodegradable and has poor dielectric properties. This paper focuses on exposition of natural ester oil application in mixed transformer liquid dielectrics. Physical, chemical, electrical, and ageing characteristics of these dielectrics and the dissolved gas analysis (DGA) were reviewed. Physical properties include viscosity, pour point, flash and fire point which are vital indicators of heat insulation and fire risk. Chemical properties considered are water content, acid number, DGA, corrosive sulphur, and sludge content to limit and detect degradation and corrosion due to oil ageing. Electrical properties including breakdown voltage were considered for consistent insulation during overload and fault conditions. These properties of evolving alternative dielectrics were reviewed based on ASTM International standards and International Electro technical Commission standards for acceptable transformer liquid dielectrics. This review paper was compiled to avail modern methodologies for both the industry and scholars, also providing the significance of using mixed dielectrics for power transformers as they are concluded to show superiority over non-mixed dielectrics.

Vegetable oil-based cutting fluids and its behavioral characteristics in machining processes: a review

Purpose This paper aims to provide a detailed review of various cutting fluids (CFs). Design/methodology/approach Friction and wear are inevitable in machine parts in motion. The industrial sector uses various kinds of lubricants, which include engine oils, CFs, hydraulic fluids, greases, etc. to control friction and wear. The main purpose of using CF is to remove heat produced during machining and to reduce cutting forces, tool wear and energy associated with it. Thus, it increases the productivity and quality of the manufacturing process. But more than 80% of the CFs used in the industries now are mineral oil-based. These mineral oils and additives are highly undesirable because of their toxicity, nonbiodegradability, pollution and ecological problems. Hence, these petroleum-based oils in the lubrication system can be substituted with alternatives such as vegetable-based CF. Several studies are being conducted in the field of eco-friendly CFs. Because of the variance in fatty acid profile and availability, the selection of vegetable oils (VOs) is another problem faced nowadays. The present study is focused on bio-based oils and many eco-friendly additives. Various machining processes and comparisons relating to the same have also been made. The aim is to minimize the use of mineral oil and thereby introduce sustainability in production. Findings In this present study, bio-based oils, additives and various characteristic behavior of them in machining are being discussed. The VOs are found to be a potential base oil for industrial CFs. Originality/value This paper describes the importance of sustainable CFs.

Effect of Petroleum-Based Oil Towards Physicochemical Properties of Natural Rubber-Based Magnetorheological Elastomers

This study presents an investigation of the effect of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) using petroleum based-oil (PBO) as dispersing aids. The inhomogeneous dispersion and mobility of magnetic particles within the elastomer matrix result in poor MREs performance. Isotropic natural rubber (NR) based MREs were fabricated by homogeneously mixed with the addition of different ratios of naphthenic oil (NO) to aromatic oil (AO), whereby NO 1(100:0), NO 2 (70:30), NO 3 (50:50), and NO 4 (30:70), correspondingly. The cure characteristics, morphological, magnetic properties and thermal analyses were conducted. Based on the results, NO 1 leads the best results for microstructure observation and magnetic properties of the MREs. Meanwhile, NO 2 mixed with AO showed an improvement in curing characteristics and thermal analyses compared to other samples. In summary, the ratio of NO 1 and NO 2 is considered the preferable dispersing aids for MREs compared to NO 3 and NO 4 due to the structural compound in the oil that enhanced the characteristics of the NR-based MREs.

Tribological analysis of blended vegetable oils containing CuO nanoparticles as an additive

In view of environmental issues, petroleum-based oils are required to be replaced by vegetable oil-based nanolubricants. The key aim of the present work is to investigate the lubrication efficiency of neat blended oil and blended oil (rice bran: sunflower oil) containing copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles in 0.01 %, 0.02 %, 0.03 %, and 0.04 % volume fraction. Also, to investigate the dispersion stability of nanoparticles having two different volume fraction (0.01% and 0.05%) in blended oil (rice bran oil: sunflower oil) with different nanoparticle to surfactant mass ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 1:3). The tribological properties of blended oil with four different volume fractions of CuO nanoparticles has been investigated on four ball tribotester by using ASTM D 4172B standards. The results showed that better dispersion stability of nanolubricant has been observed at optimum nanoparticle to surfactant mass ratio of 1:3. The minimum coefficient of friction and wear scar diameter has been observed at 0.04% volume fraction of CuO nanoparticles.

Soy-based rejuvenated asphalt binders: Impact on rheological properties and chemical aging indices

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of four recycling agents – one conventional petroleum-based (PB) oil and three soy-based (SB) bio-oils – in terms of rutting, fatigue and thermal cracking behavior and chemical properties of the rejuvenated asphalt binders. The PG grade was used to assess the high and low critical temperatures, and the MSCR and LAS tests were used to evaluate the rutting and fatigue characteristics, respectively. Changes in the chemical aging groups were tracked by means of FTIR spectroscopy. The bio-oils have great potential to be employed as recycling agents as they restored the high and low critical temperatures of the aged binders. The bio-rejuvenated binders presented an excessive mass loss compared to the standard rejuvenated one despite their enhancement in the fatigue life. The carbonyl indices were reduced, showing that the rejuvenators were capable of mitigating the effect of binder aging.

Relationship Between Pressure Drop and Heat Transfer of Fully Developed Flow in Smooth Horizontal Circular Tubes and Spiral-Coiled Tubes in the Laminar Flow Regime

Abstract Studies on isothermal steady-state frictional pressure drop for flow of petroleum base oils SN70, SN150, diesel, and water are carried out in spiral coils with diameter to length ratio, 0.00042, 0.00047, 0.00073, 0.00164, 0.00189, 0.003, and 0.0037. An attempt is made to correlate friction factors with a better and more appropriate dimensionless group for flow of Newtonian fluids through spiral-coiled tubes. An innovative approach of correlating heat transfer data with the newly established dimensionless group is presented. Heat transfer experiments are performed for spiral coils with diameter to length ratio 0.000474, 0.00042, 0.001896, 0.00198, 0.000942, and 0.00164 in laminar flow regime. Suitable correlations for friction factors and Nusselt numbers are proposed. Relationship between pressure drop and heat transfer is studied. The incapability of the conventional analogy equations to estimate the heat and momentum transfer coefficients for laminar flow through straight or curved tubes is explained based on the viscous and form drag existing in straight and curved pipe flow. The limitations of the existing analogy equations are examined critically. A new general analogy equation is derived for laminar flow through spiral and straight tubes considering the influencing geometrical parameters of the tube.

Formulation and rheology of bio-grease mixed with h-BN nanoparticles

ABSTRACT The degradation of the environment and depletion of natural resources owing to the continuous use of petroleum-based oils has made researchers to find an alternative solution to the non-sustainable lubricants. In the present study, a novel bio-grease has been prepared by mixing biodegradable oil (sesame oil) with varying concentrations of lithium stearate as a thickener. The thickener is added in different concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 wt.%. Further, the effect of h-BN on the rheological properties of novel bio-grease is investigated. The nanoparticles are added in different concentrations of 1–3 wt.%. The rheological experimentation is carried on Anton Paar Rheometer with parallel plate geometry of diameter 25 mm (PP-25). The experiments are carried out at varying shear rates (0.65 s−1 to 6.77 s−1) and temperature (30°C and 60°C). The addition of nanoparticles resulted in an increment in both viscosity and shear stress of nano grease. Viscosity and shear stress of grease is enhanced by 65% and 72% respectively at 2 wt.% nanoparticle concentration. The increase in thickener concentration also results in an increase in viscosity and shear stress of biogrease.Fromthe Amplitude Sweep test(AST), it is observed that storage modulus(Gˈ), loss modulus (G”), and yield stress of novel bio-grease increases with an increase in the h-BN concentration. An increase in nanoparticle concentration increases the resistance of grease to deformation. Similar results are obtained with an increase in thickener concentration due to dense matrix formation. This is attributed to the increase in interaction among grease fibers.

Low Concentration Vegetable Oil Based Nanofluid : Dielectric properties, AC Breakdown Voltage and Kinematic Viscosity

The transformers oil acts as an insulation as well as cooling liquid of a transformer. It is very important that the transformer oil is maintained so that the oil properties are preserved with time. Petroleum-based mineral oil is widely used as insulation oil in transformer due to its excellent insulating qualities and low cost despite its’ non-biodegradable and hazardous property. This paper seeks to find an alternative of mineral oil by using palm oil based nanofluids at lower concentration values that match the IEC standards for ester oil. The nanoparticles used in this project are zinc oxide (ZnO) and zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). ZnO has conductive nature while ZrO2 on the other hand shows insulative behavior. Three different concentration value were used which were 0.0015 g/L, 0.0025 g/L and 0.005 g/L which had never been reported before. Tests performed on the samples includes AC breakdown, dielectric properties and kinematic viscosity. Research outcome shows an outstanding result at optimum value in improving the measured properties at these low nanofluid concentrations. Reducing the amount of nanoparticles use also means saving cost and providing a more eco-friendly solution.