Chemical/Structural Modification of Canola Oil and Canola Biodiesel: Kinetic Studies and Biodegradability of the Alkoxides

Canola oil and canola biodiesel derived alkoxides are prepared in the present investigation through a series of structural modifications. Epoxidation of canola oil and canola biodiesel were carried out by hydrogen peroxide using IR-120 as an acidic catalyst. The alkoxylation of epoxidized feedstocks was promoted using 2-propanol and tert-Butyl alcohol in the presence of montmorillonite catalyst and optimum reaction conditions were obtained for complete epoxide conversion to alkoxylated products as follows: reaction temperature of 90 degrees C, epoxide to alcohol molar ratio of 1:6, and reaction time between 6 and 8 h. The products were identified with one- and two-dimensional Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) techniques, and the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the alkoxylation reactions were also investigated. The thermo-oxidative stability, rheology, biodegradability and lubricity properties of the prepared alkoxides were determined using American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and American Oil Chemists Society (AOCS) standard methods. Structural modification of the feedstocks enhanced the significant properties for lubrication and exhibited their potential application as gear and engine oils.