Technical Performance and Chemical–Physical Property Assessment of Safflower Oil Tested in an Experimental Hydraulic Test Rig

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an underestimated and multipurpose crop resistant to environmental stresses. Its oil presents useful chemical–physical properties, potentially exploitable for industrial purposes as a bio-based lubricant. In this work safflower was applied less toxic alternative mineral-based hydraulic fluids. The extracted partially refined the antioxidant tert-buthylhydroquinone (THBQ) added at two concentrations (0.25 3.00 mg kg−1). Efficiency tests of obtained were carried out using experimental test rig capable simulating real system performing severe short-duration cycles with aim strongly accelerating ageing tested oil. Oil performance verified by monitoring parameters, which correlated main lubricant properties through sensor detection laboratory analysis in parallel. results indicated that behaved well both THBQ showed good technical (operating pressure temperature; flowrate transmitted power), though higher concentration necessary protect oil’s from worsening. fact, allowed be extended 270 h, improvement compared 150 h achieved lower concentration. Finally, use agricultural seems feasible would contribute toward sustainability whole rotation prospective valuable circular economy.