Analysis of Properties of Biolubricant Obtained from Blends of Used Palm Oil

Vegetable oils are providing alternatives as renewable sources for the production of ecofriendly
biolubricants due to increasing environmental challenges, depleting mineral energy reserves, and cost
of production from fossil sources. This study evaluates the quality parameters of biolubricant obtained
from used palm oil (UPO). The crude UPO was filtered, centrifuged at 500 rpm, and dried over
Na2SO4 crystals overnight. The quality parameters of the pretreated UPO (PUPO) were analysed to
authenticate its potential for the production of multigrade lubricating oils. Kinematic viscosities at
100°C (8.26±0.03 cSt) and 40°C (36.98±0.01 cSt) were determined according to ASTMD-446 method,
while the viscosity index (208±0.11) was determined according to ASTMD-2270 method. A design of
experiment (Mixture Design Method using Minitab 17) was used to determine the proportion of PUPO
(68.75%), SN 500 (23.75%), and additives (7.50%) that gave the mixture with the optimum quality
parameters of the produced biolubricant. The produced biolubricant had kinematic viscosities at
100oC (10.72±0.13 cSt) and 40°C (59.32±0.20 cSt) respectively, a viscosity index of 173±0.10, flash
point of 234±1.13°C, pour point of -31±0.10°C, acid value of 21.04±1.21 mg KOH g-1, and iodine
value of 1.28±1.40 mg I2 g-1. The produced biolubricant has quality parameters that are comparable to
available biolubricating oil and was also found within standards for engine oils.