Green synthesis of biolubricant base stock from canola oil

► Epoxidation of canola oil with acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide was carried out in presence of amberlite IR 120 catalyst. ► Hydroxy ester derivatives of canola oil were synthesized by ring opening of epoxy canola oil with alcohols such as n-butanol, amyl alcohol, and 2-ethylhexanol in presence of amberlyst-15 (dry). The products were confirmed by using FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR. ► The cold flow properties of oleo chemical derivatives were determined. ► The oleo chemical derivatives were used as additives in low lubricating diesel fuel and the lubricating properties were determined by using HFRR wear scar. ► Thermal stability of these derivatives was studied by using TGA. The material with higher chain alcohol had shown more lubricity and good thermal stability. A green process for the preparation of biolubricant base stock from canola oil was developed. Three branched chain products were synthesized from commercially available canola oil. This process involves two steps, first, the preparation of epoxidized canola oil by using amberlite IR 120 catalyst followed by ring opening reaction with different alcohols such as n-butanol, amyl alcohol, and 2-ethylhexanol catalyzed with Amberlyst-15 (dry). These products were confirmed by using FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR. The prepared oleo chemical derivatives show improved low temperature properties determined by measuring pour point and cloud point. These derivatives were used as additives in low lubricating diesel fuel and the lubricating properties were studied by using HFRR wear scar. These derivatives have good anti-wear and friction reducing properties at relatively low concentrations. Thermal stability of these derivatives was studied by using TGA. The material with higher chain alcohol had shown more lubricity and good thermal stability. The finding of this study shows that derivatives of epoxy canola oil can be used as a starting material for the lubricant formulations.