DEVELOPMENT OF BIO-LUBRICANT FROM NEEM SEED FOR TWO-STROKE ENGINE APPLICATION
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Lubricants are essential fluids employed for the reduction of friction, wear, and tear in mechanical systems, which enhances efficiency and prolongs the lifespan of machinery. Petroleum-based lubricants have been employed over the years in machinery and has contributed to environmental pollution as a result of its spills and resultant fumes emanating from the usage of these lubricants, thus, necessitating the search for an alternative that is eco-friendly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a pilot-scale bio-lubricant from neem seed for two-stroke engine applications. Oil was extracted from neem seed using Soxhlet extraction method and was blended with varied concentrations of bio-additives (Stearic acid, Citric acid, Glycerine and Sodium bicarbonate) to obtain three different bio-lubricant formulations namely; Biolube A, Biolube B, and Biolube C. Specific physiochemical properties and tribological properties of the neem seed oil and the bio-lubricants were evaluated using standard methods of analysis. The functional properties and biodegradability of the formulated bio-lubricants were also evaluated. The result showed that the percentage yield of neem seed oil was 40.8%. The result also showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the tribological and functional properties of all the Biolube samples and Petlube. However, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the tribological and functional properties of Biolube A and Petlube samples. The result also revealed that out of all the bio-lubricant formulations, only Biolube A conforms with the ISO VG-32 standard having a density of 0.95 ± 0.0 g/cm3, acid value of 0.84 ± 0.005 mgKOH/g, pour point of -12 ˚C ± 0.66, flash point of 185 ± 2.55 ˚C, fire point of 202 ± 4.26, kinematic viscosity of 31.62 ± 0.025 cSt and 6.28 ± 0.051 cSt (at 40°C and at 100°C respectively) and viscosity index of 151.85 ± 0.60 cSt. These values are comparable to that obtained for Petlube. Hence, Biolube A may be employed as an alternative to Petroleum-based lubricants for two-stroke engine application.
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