Obtenção e caracterização de lubrificantes biodegradáveis pela epoxidação do óleo de canola (Brassica napus).

Abstract

Concerns about the environmental impacts of the continued use of petroleum derivatives and the imminent scarcity of natural resources have stimulated several studies in search of more sustainable alternatives. In this scenario, biolubricants present themselves as a viable and environmentally responsible option in relation to conventional lubricants of fossil origin. These products, derived from biomass, not only offer a diversified source, but also demonstrate a high potential for biodegradability, highlighting the advantages of using plant-based raw materials. Canola (Brassica napus), from the Brassicaceae family, stands out as an excellent raw material due to its beneficial properties for both food and biofuel production. The transesterification method followed by epoxidation with peracetic acid stands out as an effective approach for obtaining biodegradable lubricants, improving their physical and chemical characteristics. In view of this, the present study aimed to produce biolubricants from commercial canola oil, through transesterification reactions for the formation of methyl and ethyl esters, followed by epoxidation. Subsequently, the products obtained were characterized by means of physicochemical analyses. Given the results obtained, good ester conversion rates were observed, where methyl esters presented a percentage of 94% and ethyl esters 91%. Subsequently, the epoxidized products presented high yield rates, being 92% for methyl epoxide and 89% for ethyl esters. Therefone, these results prove the potential of canola oil for the production of biolubricants, thus contributing to the reduction of environmental impacts caused by the use of materials of fossil origin.