The study of epoxidized rapeseed oil used as a potential biodegradable lubricant

The application of epoxidized rapeseed oil as a biodegradable lubricant is described. The epoxidation treatment has no adverse effect on the biodegradability of the base stock. Epoxidized rapeseed ail has superior oxidative stability compared to rapeseed oil based on the results of both oven tests and rotary oxygen bomb tests. Moreover, the oxidative stability can be dramatically promoted by the addition of a package of antioxidants. The epoxidized rapeseed oil has better friction-reducing and extreme pressure abilities according to tribological investigations. Formation of a tribopolymerization film is proposed as explanation of the tribological performance of epoxidized rapeseed oil.