Potential of Non Edible Vegetable Oils as an Alternative Lubricants in Automotive Applications

Industrial revolution transformed the lives of human by shifting the muscle power to machines. Machine utilizes fuel for developing power and motion. Relative motion amongst the machine parts makes them susceptible to frequent wear and tear. Lubricants act as an antifriction media, facilitating smoother working, reducing the risks of undesirable frequent failures and maintaining reliable machine operations. Lubricants and lubrication have been in use since man invented machines. Discovery of abundant crude reserves and inexpensive products for the demanding lubrication requirements at the outset of industrial revolution diverted the attention from the natural products like animal fats and vegetable oils lacking competitive properties. Presently, the depletion of the world’s crude oil reserves, increased oil prices and the global concern to protect the environment against pollution, exerted by lubricants and their uncontrolled disposal have brought renewed interest in the development and use of nature friendly lubricants derived from alternative sources. This paper discuss the potential of non-edible vegetable oils as an alternative source of lubricants for automotive applications. (