Aspects of Non-edible Vegetable Oil-Based Bio-lubricants in the Automotive Sector

Lubricants act as anti-friction media and facilitate smooth operations, maintain machine reliability and lead to reduction in the risk of frequent failures. Around the globe, petroleum-based reserves are depleting which results in price hike, creating concern about environmental pollution. The researchers are focusing on developing and using an eco-friendly lubricant derived from renewable resources. Non-edible vegetable oil-based bio-lubricants are eco-friendly due to their biodegradability, non-toxicity and net zero greenhouse gas emission. This study presents the potential of using non-edible vegetable-based bio-lubricants in the automotive sector. The first part of the study discusses about the resources, properties, as well as advantages and application of the bio-lubricants. In the second part of this paper, the potential of non-edible oil-based bio-lubricants as alternatives are discussed. The final part includes the description about the global lubricant market and prospects for the future. Non-edible vegetable oil-based bio-lubricants have enhanced lubricity, high viscosity, good anti-wear property, high viscosity index, increased equipment service life, high load carrying ability, low evaporation rates and low emission of metal traces into the atmosphere.