Polyol Ester Lubricant Base Oil for Thermal Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lubricant bases, primarily mineral oils, pose environmental pollution risks due to non-recyclability and have limitations in thermal stability and oxidation resistance, especially when used in applications where they may escape into the environment, and existing biodegradable alternatives are only suitable for limited temperature ranges.

Innovation Solution

Development of esters derived from renewable resources, specifically a mixture of C5-C12 saturated and C10-C12 unsaturated fatty acids, such as n-heptanoic and 10-undecylenic acids, combined with polyols like erythritol, which exhibit enhanced thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and viscosity index, making them suitable for broader temperature applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mineral oils are used as lubricant bases, then excellent thermal stability and oxidation resistance are achieved, but environmental pollution occurs due to non-recyclability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal stabilityVSAvoidenvironmental pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using polyol esters with specific fatty acid compositions (mixture of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in defined ratios) to achieve both environmental compatibility and acceptable thermal stability. The ester structure with specific carbon chain lengths and saturation levels provides a balance between biodegradability and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite lubricant base by combining polyol esters with specific fatty acid compositions, merging the biodegradability advantage of natural esters with the performance characteristics needed for industrial applications. The composite structure integrates multiple functional aspects in a single lubricant composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If plant and animal oils are used as lubricant bases, then environmental compatibility is improved, but thermal stability and oxidation resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental compatibilityVSAvoidoxidation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters by selecting specific polyols and fatty acid combinations, controlling the degree of saturation and carbon chain lengths to enhance oxidation resistance while maintaining biodegradability. The specific fatty acid mixture ratios are optimized to achieve this balance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a composite ester system combining specific polyols with a defined mixture of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, creating a material that integrates both environmental compatibility and improved oxidation resistance through synergistic chemical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-generated harmful factors

If existing biodegradable lubricant compositions are used, then environmental friendliness is improved, but temperature range applicability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebiodegradabilityVSAvoidtemperature range applicability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the physical and chemical parameters of the lubricant by selecting fatty acids with specific melting points and viscosity characteristics, and by controlling the polyol structure, to enable the biodegradable ester to function effectively across a broader temperature range while maintaining biodegradability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The resulting lubricant base composition demonstrates improved thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and lubricating properties, with enhanced biodegradability and temperature stability, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative for various industrial applications.

Implementation Method 1

a process for preparing esters comprising the esterification of a mixture of linear fatty acids comprising at least one C5-C12 saturated fatty acid and at least one C10-C12 unsaturated fatty acid with at least one polyol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEsterification: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS11453833B2Lubricating base oil synthesized from biosourced polyol and fatty acids esters
Publication Date: 2022.09.27 ARKEMA FRANCE SA

AI summary

The present invention relates to esters of at least one polyol and of a mixture of fatty acids comprising at least one C5-C12 saturated fatty acid and at least one C10-C12 unsaturated fatty acid.