Production of Biolubricants from Balanites aegyptiaca Seed Oil via Epoxidation and Double Transesterification Techniques

In this study, Balanites aegyptiaca seed oil was extracted from the ground using Soxhlet extraction method with n-hexane as solvent to produce two biolubricants; one via epoxidation Lubricant (BAB-E) and other transesterification trimethylolpropane (BAB-T). Both biolubricants were characterized Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry. The physicochemical properties, lubricity thermal properties of produced determined. Results showed that had wavelengths 3008.0 cm-1 associated C-H stretching, 2922.8 -OH (acid), 1740.7 C=O, 1488.8 C=C 1364.2 NO2, 1237.6 C-O, 1159.2 C-C 723.1 bending. BAB-T viscosities 58.29 10.36 cSt at 40 100 OC respectively while those BAB-E 54.37 9.56 cSt. They viscosity index 168 161, pour points -9 -8 respectively. These values observed be within acceptable range. coefficient friction 0.094 ± 0.014 0.080 0.010 have stability similar lubricants show remarkable potentials used alternatives fossil-based lubricants.