Synthesis and Physical Properties of Estolide Ester Using Saturated Fatty Acid and Ricinoleic Acid

A study was conveyed to produce estolide ester using ricinoleic acid as the backbone. The ricinoleic acid reacted with saturated fatty acid from C8-C18. These reactions were conducted under vacuum at 60 degrees C for 24 h without solvent. The reaction used acid catalyst, sulphuric acid. The new saturate ricinoleic estolide esters show superior low-temperature properties (-52 +/- 0.08 degrees C) and high flash point (>300 degrees C). The yield of the neat estolide esters ranged from 52% to 96%. The viscosity range was 51 +/- 0.08 to 86 +/- 0.01 cp. These new saturated estolide esters were also compared with saturated branched estolide esters.