The study of epoxidized rapeseed oil used as a potential biodegradable lubricant

The application of epoxidized rapeseed oil as a biodegradable lubricant is described. The epoxidation treatment has no adverse effect on the biodegrad ability of the base stock. Epoxidized rapeseed ail has superior oxidative s tability compared to rapeseed oil based on the results of both oven tests a nd rotary oxygen bomb tests. Moreover, the oxidative stability can be drama tically promoted by the addition of a package of antioxidants. The epoxidiz ed rapeseed oil has better friction-reducing and extreme pressure abilities according to tribological investigations. Formation of a tribopolymerizati on film is proposed as explanation of the tribological performance of epoxi dized rapeseed oil.