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Production of ecofriendly bio-lubricant samples from palm kernel oil using different chemical modification approaches
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  • Chinedu Agu,
  • Samuel Egbuna ,
  • Christian Asadu,
  • Ukeh Nwachukwu,
  • Bernad Okolo
Chinedu Agu
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Samuel Egbuna
Enugu State University of Science and Technology
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Christian Asadu
Enugu State University of Science and Technology
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Ukeh Nwachukwu
Enugu State University of Science and Technology
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Bernad Okolo
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture
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Abstract

This work focused on the chemical synthesis and characterization of palm kernel oil (PKO) for bio-lubricant production using transesterification of palm kernel methyl ester (PKME) with trimethylolpropane (TMP) and epoxidation-esterification methods. The PKO was extracted using solvent extraction method. The physicochemical characteristics of the PKO and produced bio-lubricant samples were determined using standard methods. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometry and Gas Chromatographic analyses, were respectively, used to determine the predominant functional groups and fatty acids of PKO and the produced bio-lubricant samples. At 55 °C, 150 min and 0.5 mm particle size, kernel oil yield was 49.82 % (by weight). The viscosities at 40 °C, 100 °C, viscosity index, pour and flash points of the bio-lubricants produced by transesterification of TMP (PKBLT) and epoxidation-esterification (PKBLE) methods, were [42.53 cSt, 10.65 cSt, 139, - 11 °C, 235 °C] and [44.69 cSt, 11.42 cSt, 132, - 12 °C, 240 °C], respectively. Time, mole ratio and temperature effects were the main factors that significantly influenced the transesterification and epoxidation processes. The obtained physicochemical properties of PKBLE and PKBLT samples showed conformity with ISO VG 32 standard, hence, their possible application as bio-lubricant basestock.
31 Jan 2020Submitted to Engineering Reports
05 Feb 2020Submission Checks Completed
05 Feb 2020Assigned to Editor
22 Mar 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Major Without Review
21 May 20201st Revision Received
22 May 2020Assigned to Editor
22 May 2020Submission Checks Completed
26 May 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
13 Jul 2020Editorial Decision: Reject & Resub
11 Oct 20202nd Revision Received
12 Oct 2020Submission Checks Completed
12 Oct 2020Assigned to Editor
14 Oct 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
29 Oct 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Major
10 Apr 20213rd Revision Received
10 Apr 2021Submission Checks Completed
10 Apr 2021Assigned to Editor
11 Apr 2021Editorial Decision: Accept