Chemically modified biolubricant basestocks from epoxidized oleic acid: Improved low temperature properties and oxidative stability

Synthetic biolubricant basestocks with improved low temperature and oxidative stability were prepared by chemical modification of epoxidized oleic acid (EOA). Preparation, characterization and physico-chemical properties of mono, di and triester derivatives of 9,10-dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid after the epoxidation of oleic acid, opening of the formed oxirane ring in suitable medium, esterification of carboxylic acid hydroxyl group and acetylation of free hydroxyl group is discussed in this paper. Removal of the double bond from fatty acid acyl group, increase of the molar weight and change of molecular structure resulted in the increase of viscosity index and oxidation stability of synthetic esters.