A comparison of pure and natural antioxidant modified rapeseed oil storage properties

Environmentally friendly lubricants are desirable in many applications in which water or soil pollution is expected. The use of natural additives can enhance the renewability of environmentally friendly lubricants and makes them more attractive for users. The main purpose of this study was to investigate sage and thyme extracts as natural antioxidants in rapeseed oil. Their efficiency was investigated under accelerated oxidation and storage conditions and was estimated according to induction period, peroxide and acid number variation, kinematic viscosity and viscosity index changes, and tribological and corrosion properties. The observed results show that sage and thyme extracts have good oxidation stabilisation properties; therefore, the modification of rapeseed oil with these extracts can improve the oxidation stability of rapeseed oil both in storage and in use. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.