Calcium sulphonate grease compositions

Abstract

The present disclosure provides grease compositions comprising overbased calcium sulphonate thickeners as well as processes to prepare the grease compositions. The grease compositions of the present disclosure provide several benefits, as they can be bio-based and / or bio-derived as well as biogenic and biodegradable.

Description

CALCIUM SULPHONATE GREASE COMPOSITIONSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 538,529, filed on September 15, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

[0002] Grease compositions have been used for many years and are advantageous due to performance properties including antiwear, rust prevention, and mechanical stability. However, recent challenges in the supply of the lithium-based markets have resulted in a need for grease compositions that include non-lithium based thickeners.

[0003] Moreover, worldwide demand for bio-lubricants is increasing due to changes in government regulations as well as expanded environmental awareness and sustainability by the public. In this regard, many grease compositions are generally deficient in their biodegradability and renewable carbon content. For instance, even current non-lithium alternatives such as greases containing overbased calcium sulphonate can be undesirable due to their use of fossil fuels and low biogenic carbon content.

[0004] Therefore, there exists an ongoing need for grease compositions containing overbased calcium sulphonate to provide sustainable solutions in order to meet environmental standards and achieve desirable carbon neutral goals. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides grease compositions comprising overbased calcium sulphonate that are environmentally friendly as well as processes to prepare the grease compositions.

[0005] The grease compositions of the present disclosure provide several benefits compared to the current state of the art. For example, the grease compositions can be synthetic and / or hydrocarbon-based and demonstrate comparable and superior performance to petroleum-based greases. Further, the grease compositions can be biobased and / or bio-derived as well as biogenic and biodegradable. Importantly, certain grease compositions are nontoxic and can meet NSF HX-1, Halal, and Kosher Parverequirements for incidental food contact. Moreover, the grease compositions can be substantially free of undesirable components such as boric or phosphoric acids. Finally, the grease compositions have several applications, including marine, construction / mining, food, pharmaceutical, industrial, agriculture, and transportation.

[0006] Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

[0008] FIGURE 1 shows confirmation of conversion of the amorphous calcium to a calcite by FTIR at 884 cm'1for the grease composition of Example 1.

[0009] FIGURE 2 shows confirmation of conversion of the amorphous calcium to a calcite by FTIR at 884 cm'1for the grease composition of Example 2.

[0010] FIGURE 3 shows the FTIR results observed for the grease composition of Example 3.

[0011] FIGURE 4 shows the FTIR results observed for the grease composition of Example 4.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein as follows. In one aspect, a grease composition comprising an overbased calcium sulphonate thickener and a base oil is provided. By utilizing a base oil that is readily biodegradable, renewable, and / or synthetic, the resultant complex grease compositions comprising an overbased calcium sulphonate thickener can demonstrate comparable and superior performance to petroleum-based calcium sulphonate greases.

[0013] In an illustrative aspect, a grease composition is provided. The grease composition comprises an overbased calcium sulphonate thickener and a base oil.

[0014] In an embodiment, the base oil is a synthetic base oil. In an embodiment, the base oil is a bio-based oil. In an embodiment, the synthetic base oil is a renewable base oil. In an embodiment, the synthetic base oil is a plant-derived base oil.

[0015] In an embodiment, the grease composition further comprises a second thickener. In an embodiment, the second thickener is a magnesium sulphonate thickener. In an embodiment, the second thickener is an aluminum-based thickener.

[0016] In an embodiment, the grease composition comprises biogenic carbon. In an embodiment, the biogenic carbon is present at 50-90%. In an embodiment, the biogenic carbon is present at 50-55%. In an embodiment, the biogenic carbon is present at 55-60%. In an embodiment, the biogenic carbon is present at 60-65%. In an embodiment, the biogenic carbon is present at 65-70%. In an embodiment, the biogenic carbon is present at 70-75%. In an embodiment, the biogenic carbon is present at 75- 80%. In an embodiment, the biogenic carbon is present at 80-85%. In an embodiment, the biogenic carbon is present at 85-90%. In an embodiment, the biogenic carbon is present at 90%. In an embodiment, the biogenic carbon is measured via ASTM D6866.

[0017] In an embodiment, the grease composition is bio-based. In an embodiment, the grease composition is bio-derived. In an embodiment, the grease composition is biogenic. In an embodiment, the grease composition is biodegradable. In an embodiment, the grease composition is nontoxic.

[0018] In an embodiment, the grease composition complies with OCED 201. In an embodiment, the grease composition complies with OCED 202. In an embodiment, the grease composition complies with OCED 209. In an embodiment, the grease composition complies with OCED 236. In an embodiment, the grease composition complies with OCED 301B

[0019] In an embodiment, the grease composition is not derived from petroleum. In an embodiment, the grease composition is substantially free of boric acid. As used herein, the term “substantially free” can refer to a low number or a low concentration,such as less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2%, less than 1%, less than 0.1% less than 0.01%, less than 0.001%, and the like. In an embodiment, the grease composition is substantially free of phosphoric acid.

[0020] In an embodiment, the grease composition is substantially free of one or more performance additives. As used herein, a performance additive refers to one or more ingredients that can be included in the grease compositions to maintain or enhance product capability. For instance, performance additives can be included to provide antioxidant properties or antiwear properties. Moreover, performance additives can be included as a corrosion inhibitor or as a rust inhibitor. In an embodiment, the performance additive is an antioxidant additive. In an embodiment, the performance additive is an antiwear additive. In an embodiment, the performance additive is a corrosion inhibitor. In an embodiment, the performance additive is a rust inhibitor.

[0021] In an embodiment, the grease composition comprises one or more performance additives. In an embodiment, the performance additive is an antioxidant additive. In an embodiment, the performance additive is an antiwear additive. In an embodiment, the performance additive is a corrosion inhibitor. In an embodiment, the performance additive is a rust inhibitor.

[0022] In an embodiment, the grease composition comprises a weld load of at least 160 kg. In an embodiment, the grease composition comprises a weld load of at least 250 kg. In an embodiment, the grease composition comprises a weld load of at least 315 kg. In an embodiment, the grease composition comprises a weld load of at least 400 kg. In an embodiment, the grease composition comprises a weld load of at least 500 kg. In an embodiment, the grease composition comprises a weld load of at least 620 kg. In an embodiment, the grease composition comprises a weld load of at least 800 kg. In an embodiment, the grease composition comprises a weld load of at least 1000 kg.

[0023] In an embodiment, the grease composition comprises a dropping point of at least 300°C.

[0024] In an embodiment, the grease composition is NSF H-l registered. In an embodiment, the grease composition is Kosher Parve certified. In an embodiment, thegrease composition is Halal certified. In an embodiment, the grease composition is EU Ecolabel certified.

[0025] The following numbered embodiments are contemplated and are nonlimiting:1. A grease composition comprising an overbased calcium sulphonate thickener and a base oil.2. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the base oil is a synthetic base oil.3. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the base oil is a bio-based oil.4. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the synthetic base oil is a renewable base oil.5. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the synthetic base oil is a plant-derived base oil.6. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition further comprises a second thickener.7. The grease composition of clause 6, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the second thickener is a magnesium sulphonate thickener.8. The grease composition of clause 6, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the second thickener is an aluminum-based thickener.9. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition comprises biogenic carbon.10. The grease composition of clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 50-90%.11. The grease composition of clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 50-55%.12. The grease composition of clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 55-60%.13. The grease composition of clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 60-65%.14. The grease composition of clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 65-70%.15. The grease composition of clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 70-75%.16. The grease composition of clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 75-80%.17. The grease composition of clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 80-85%.18. The grease composition of clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 85-90%.19. The grease composition of clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 90%.20. The grease composition of clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the biogenic carbon is measured via ASTM D6866.21. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition is bio-based.22. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition is bio-derived.23. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition is biogenic.24. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition is biodegradable.25. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition is nontoxic.26. The grease composition of clause 25, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition complies with OCED 201.27. The grease composition of clause 25, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition complies with OCED 202.28. The grease composition of clause 25, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition complies with OCED 209.29. The grease composition of clause 25, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition complies with OCED 236.30. The grease composition of clause 25, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition complies with OCED 301B.31. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition is not derived from petroleum.32. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition is substantially free of boric acid.33. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition is substantially free of phosphoric acid.34. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition is substantially free of one or more performance additives.35. The grease composition of clause 34, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the performance additive is an antioxidant additive.36. The grease composition of clause 34, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the performance additive is an antiwear additive.37. The grease composition of clause 34, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the performance additive is a corrosion inhibitor.38. The grease composition of clause 34, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the performance additive is a rust inhibitor.39. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition comprises one or more performance additives.40. The grease composition of clause 39, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the performance additive is an antioxidant additive.41. The grease composition of clause 39, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the performance additive is an antiwear additive.42. The grease composition of clause 39, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the performance additive is a corrosion inhibitor.43. The grease composition of clause 39, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the performance additive is a rust inhibitor.44. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition comprises a weld load of at least 160 kg.45. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition comprises a weld load of at least 250 kg-46. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition comprises a weld load of at least 315 kg-47. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition comprises a weld load of at least 400 kg-48. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition comprises a weld load of at least 500 kg-49. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition comprises a weld load of at least 620 kg-50. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition comprises a weld load of at least 800 kg-51. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition comprises a weld load of at least 1000 kg-52. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition comprises a dropping point of at least 300°C.53. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition is NSF H-l registered.54. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition is Kosher Parve certified.55. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition is Halal certified.56. The grease composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the grease composition is EU Ecolabel certified.EXAMPLESEXAMPLE 1Exemplary Preparation of a Biobase NSF Hl Calcium Sulphonate Grease Composition

[0026] In the instant example, an exemplary grease composition comprising a calcium sulphonate thickener was prepared. The grease composition of the instant example did not comprise performance additives. Table 1 shows the ingredients that were reacted in the instant example:Table 1

[0027] The base oil blend was charged with a biogenic 400 TBN overbased calcium sulphonate thickener, calcium sulphonate, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, sulfonic acid (75X) and 12 hydroxy stearic acid (12-HSA) in a mixer. The combination was mixed at room temperature for 10 minutes and 4% water was added. Thereafter, the mixture was heated to 45°C.

[0028] Acetic acid and propylene glycol were added to the mixture and temperature was gradually increased to 85 - 95°C. Approximately 4% water was added at about 90°C. The reaction was held for at least one hour before confirming conversion of the amorphous calcium to a calcite by FTIR at 884 cm'1shown in Figure 1. The resultant grease composition had a smooth, light cream and thick appearance.

[0029] The remaining base oil (15 - 20%) was added to the mixture and the temperature was slowly increased to 150°C. The remaining 12-HSA was added and mixed for 30 minutes, then the combination was heated to 170°C before completing the reaction. After the grease cooled to room temperature, the sample was milled on a bench top Tri-roller mill.

[0030] The grease composition demonstrated the performance properties and grease composition fingerprint according to ASTM methods as shown in Figure 1 and Table 2.Table 2

[0031] Table 2 demonstrates the exceptional properties of the grease composition that, notably, did not compromise performance even though performance additives were not included in the grease composition.EXAMPLE 2Exemplary Preparation of a Readily Biodegradable 91% Biogenic NLGI Grade L NSF Hl Calcium Sulphonate Grease Composition

[0032] In the instant example, an exemplary bio-based calcium sulphonate grease was prepared. Table 3 shows the ingredients that were reacted in the instant example:Table 3

[0033] The bio-base oil was charged with a biogenic thickener comprising an overbased calcium sulphonate. Calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, sulfonic acid (75X), and 12 hydroxy stearic acid (12-HSA) were also added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes then 4% water was added. The mixture was heatedto 45°C. Then, acetic acid, propylene glycol was added to the mixture and heated to 75°C, followed by the addition of 4% water.

[0034] The temperature of the mixture was gradually increased to 90-95°C and the reaction was held for at least one hour before confirming conversion of the amorphous calcium to a calcite by FTIR at 884 cm’1shown in Figure 2. The resultant grease composition had a smooth, light cream and thick appearance. The remaining biobase oil (15.40%) was added to the mixture and the temperature was slowly increased to 170°C before completing the reaction.

[0035] After the grease composition was cooled to room temperature, the sample was milled on a bench top tri-roller mill. The grease composition consistency was measured according to ASTM D217 to determine NLGI grade and a cone penetration of 285 was calculated. An additional 13.4% of bio-base oil was added with the described performance additives, resulting in a NLGI grade 1 with a cone penetration of 327 dmm.

[0036] The grease composition was tested to have the following characteristics, and grease composition fingerprint as shown in Table 4 and Figure 2:Table 4

[0037] The highly renewable NSF H-l, NLGI grade 1 complex grease show superior performance according to ASTM bench test methods and complies with environmental standards with 91% biogenic carbon content and considered readily biodegrade according to OECD 301B.EXAMPLE 3Exemplary Preparation of a Readily Biodegradable, 87% Biogenic NLGI Grade 2 Calcium Sulphonate Grease Composition

[0038] In the instant example, an exemplary bio-based calcium sulphonate grease composition. The grease composition did not contain performance additives. Table 5 shows the ingredients that were reacted in the instant example:Table 5

[0039] A blend of renewable hydrocarbon base oil and high-viscosity ester base oil was charged with a 52% biogenic 440TBN calcium sulphonate thickener. Calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, Lubrizol 75X, and 12 hydroxy stearic acid (12-HSA) were also added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes, then 4% water was added to the mixture and heated to 45°C.

[0040] The heated mixture was charged with acetic acid and propylene glycol. The temperature of the mixture was gradually increased to 85-95°C, then 2% water was added when the temperature was about 90°C. The reaction was held for at least one hour before confirming conversion of the amorphous calcium to a calcite by FTIR at 882cm'1. The resultant grease composition had a smooth, light cream and thick appearance. The remaining base oil blend was added to the mixture and the temperature was slowly increased to 170°C before completing the reaction.

[0041] After the grease composition was cooled to below 80°C, the sample was milled on a bench top tri-roller mill. The grease composition was measured according to ASTM D217 to determine the consistency. The grease composition had a cone penetration of 216 dmm. An additional 18.75% of base oil was added with the described performance additives, resulting in a NLGI grade 2 with a cone penetration of 272 dmm.

[0042] The grease composition was tested to have the following characteristics, and grease composition fingerprint as shown in Figure 3 and Table 6:Table 6EXAMPLE 4Exemplary Preparation of Biodegradable High- Viscosity 78% Biogenic Calcium Sulphonate Grease Composition

[0043] In the instant example, an exemplary bio-based calcium sulphonate grease was prepared. Table 7 shows the ingredients that were reacted in the instant example:Table 7

[0044] A blend of renewable hydrocarbon base oil and high-viscosity ester base oil was charged with a 55% biogenic 440TBN calcium sulphonate thickener. Calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, low molecular weight sulphonic acid, and 12 hydroxy stearic acid (12-HSA) were also added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes, then 4% water was added to the mixture and heated to 45°C. The heated mixture was charged with acetic acid and propylene glycol. The temperature of the mixture was gradually increased to 90-95°C and the reaction was held for at least one hour before confirming conversion of the amorphous calcium to a calcite by FTIR at 884cm’1. The resultant grease composition had a smooth, light cream and thick appearance. The remaining oil blend was added to the mixture and the temperature was slowly increased to 170°C before completing the reaction.

[0045] After the grease composition was cooled to room temperature, the sample was milled on a bench top tri-roller mill. The grease composition was measured according to ASTM D217 to determine the resulting grease cone penetration of 216 dmm. An additional 31.70% base oil was added with the described performance additive to meet the target NLGI grade 3 at 314 dmm.

[0046] The grease composition was tested to have the following characteristics, and grease composition fingerprint as shown in Figure 4 and Table 8:Table 8EXAMPLE 5Exemplary Preparation of Biobase Complex Grease Composition from Overbased Magnesium and Calcium Sulphonate Thickeners

[0047] In the instant example, an exemplary bio-based grease composition comprising a calcium sulphonate thickener with a biogenic 400 TBN overbased magnesium sulphonate thickener was prepared. Table 9 shows the ingredients that were reacted in the instant example:Table 9

[0048] A blend of renewable hydrocarbon base oil was charged with a 65% biogenic 400 TBN overbased calcium sulphonate & a 62% overbased magnesium sulphonate thickeners, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, Lubrizol 75X and 12 hydroxy stearic acid (12-HSA). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes, then 4% water was added to the mixture and heated to 45°C. The heated mixture was charged with acetic acid and propylene glycol. The temperature of the mixture was gradually increased to 90-95°C and the reaction was held for at least one hour before confirming conversion of the amorphous calcium to a calcite by FTIR at 882cm’1. The resultant grease composition had a smooth, light cream and thick appearance. The remaining biobase oil blend was added to the mixture and the temperature was slowly increased to 150°C and the calcium sulphate was added and mixed for 30 minutes, then heated to 170°C before completing the reaction.

[0049] After the base grease was cooled to room temperature, the sample was milled on a bench top tri-roller mill. The base grease was measured according to ASTM D217 to determine the cone penetration of 254 dmm.

[0050] The grease composition was tested to have the following characteristics, as shown in Table 10:Table 10EXAMPLE 6Exemplary Preparation of Synthetic Calcium Sulphonate Grease Composition

[0051] In the instant example, an exemplary synthetic PAO calcium sulphonate grease composition was prepared based on an overbased 400TBN calcium sulphonate. Table 11 shows the ingredients that were reacted in the instant example:Table 11

[0052] Approximately 50% of the PAO 40 treat rate was charged with Lubrizol 75P. The mixture was heated to 50°C while mixing. The mixture was then charged with 5% water and mixed for 3 minutes.

[0053] Acetic acid was slowly added to the mixture to prevent clumping or frothing. Then, Lubrizol 75X was slowly added, followed by another 5% water and propylene glycol. The mixture was heated to 90°C and held at this temperature until conversion to calcite was realized, as confirmed by FTIR.

[0054] The mixture was heated and dehydrated at 150°C. After confirmation by FTIR that there is no water remaining, the further 50% of Durasyn 174i was added to the mixture while mixing. Lubrizol GR 9510 was added when the temperature cooled to around 80°C and mixing was continued for another 5 minutes.

[0055] The grease composition was tested to have the following characteristics, as shown in Table 12:Table 12EXAMPLE 7Exemplary Bio-based Calcium Sulphonate Grease Compositions

[0056] In the instant example, various grease composition products were produced. Briefly, Products 7-13 as described below were synthesized in the same reaction bowl as described in Example 1 herein.

[0057] The procedure described in Example 2 was modified to use different types of biodegradable base oils and bio-based 400 TBN thickeners for the reactions. As seen from the results reported in Table 13 below, Products 7-13 were analyzed to have various biogenic carbon contents and biodegradability. When the base oil and biogenic 400 TBN OBCS used are highly renewable and readily biodegradable, the resultant grease composition exhibited a high biogenic carbon content of over 90% and a biodegradability of greater than 60%. When the percentage of renewable base oil and bio-based 400TBN OBCS was low or a petroleum or synthetic base was used, the total biogenic carbon content of the resulted grease decreased significantly.

[0058] When a group IV base oil (e.g., synthetic PAO base) and 400 TBN OBCS was utilized for the grease composition of Example 6, the resultant grease composition contained no biogenic carbon and was not biodegradable.

[0059] When a synthetic hydrocarbon, adipate esters, petroleum-based oils, and 400TBN OBCS thickener are used to develop the grease, no amount of resultant biogenic carbon is expected. However, if a complexing agent such as 12-Hydroxyl stearic acid is utilized, the grease composition will exhibit a negligible (e.g., <5%) biogenic carbon and biodegradability as shown in Product 13.

[0060] Conversely, when base oils such as adipate ester (e.g., Synative ES DPHA; highly readily biodegradable (> 90%)) are used to develop grease compositions with 400 TBN OBCS, the resultant products are readily biodegradable but possess a lower renewable content as shown by Product 12. As demonstrated by Products 7-12, mixtures of renewable base oil, synthetic ester, and biogenic 400TBN OBCS can be usedto develop a renewable and readily biodegradable calcium sulphonate grease composition with high performance.

[0061] The data show uncompromised performance of the biodegradable, renewable, calcium sulphonate greases with comparable and superior performance over commercial food grade or synthetic calcium sulphonate greases.Table 13Table 13 (continued)

Claims

CLAIMS1. A grease composition comprising an overbased calcium sulphonate thickener and a base oil, wherein the grease composition comprises biogenic carbon, and wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 50-90%.

2. The grease composition of claim 1, wherein the grease composition is not derived from petroleum.

3. The grease composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the base oil is a synthetic base oil.

4. The grease composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the base oil is a bio-based oil.

5. The grease composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the synthetic base oil is a renewable base oil.

6. The grease composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the synthetic base oil is a plant-derived base oil.

7. The grease composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the grease composition is bio-based.

8. The grease composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the grease composition is bio-derived.

9. The grease composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the grease composition is biogenic.

10. The grease composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the grease composition is biodegradable.

11. The grease composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the grease composition is nontoxic.

12. The grease composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the grease composition is substantially free of boric acid.

13. The grease composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the grease composition is substantially free of phosphoric acid.

14. The grease composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the grease composition comprises a weld load of at least 400 kg.

15. The grease composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the grease composition comprises a weld load of at least 620 kg.

16. The grease composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the grease composition comprises a dropping point of at least 300°C.

17. The grease composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the grease composition is NSF H-l registered.

18. The grease composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the grease composition is Kosher Parve certified.

19. The grease composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the grease composition is Halal certified.

20. The grease composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the grease composition is EU Ecolabel certified.

21. The grease composition of any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 50-55%.

22. The grease composition of any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 55-60%.

23. The grease composition of any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 60-65%.

24. The grease composition of any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 65-70%.

25. The grease composition of any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 70-75%.

26. The grease composition of any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 75-80%.

27. The grease composition of any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 80-85%.

28. The grease composition of any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 85-90%.

29. The grease composition of any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the biogenic carbon is present at 90%.

30. The grease composition of any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the biogenic carbon is measured via A STM D6866.

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