From Field to Engine: Bio-Based and Biodegradable Lubricants and Hydraulic Oils
Modern agriculture relies heavily on machinery for fieldwork, forestry, and livestock management. This equipment requires substantial amounts of lubricants and hydraulic oils, which are typically fossil-based and non-biodegradable. The project aims to explore the development of bio-based, biodegradable alternatives, focusing on ester-based bio-oils derived from renewable fatty acids.
Leakage of lubricants and hydraulic oils from machinery poses various environmental challenges, including soil and groundwater contamination, as well as negative health effects on humans. Estimates suggest that as much as 7 million liters of different types of mineral oils leak annually during chainsaw use in forestry operations.
Renewable fatty acids have been identified as promising bio-based platform chemicals and will be combined in the project with primarily bio-based alcohols. Our research will focus on itaconic acid, levulinic acid, and lactic acid. Both itaconic acid and levulinic acid are recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy as two of the twelve most promising bio-based platform chemicals for the future of industry. Lactic acid also ranks highly, and in previous projects, our team has successfully converted low-grade cellulose from forestry industry side streams into lactic acid.
With this expertise, we believe that Lantmännen’s side streams – such as bran, straw, and other carbohydrate-rich materials – could similarly be converted into lactic acid, creating a circular and sustainable system within the company’s operations. According to current literature, itaconic and levulinic acid can be produced from various sugars through fermentation, and the technology to convert sugars or cellulose into bio-based alcohols is already well-established. This project aims to leverage that knowledge.
Goal
A feasibility study/screening will be conducted in which various esters synthesized from itaconic acid, lactic acid, and levulinic acid combined with bio-based alcohols are evaluated based on relevant properties for lubricant and hydraulic oil applications.
Participating partners
Chalmers Industriteknik, Aspen, BASF, Fuchs Lubricants Sweden, Lantmännen,
Time Period
2025-01-01—2025-07-30
Total budget
500 000 SEK
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