7. Development of Biodegradable Lubricants

A significant amount of lubricating oils can enter the environment, producing contamination of both soil and water. Pressure has been put on lubricant producers and consumers to spur them to seek a solution involving less environmentally harmful lubricants to mitigate the effect of disposing lubricants without control, polluting soil and water. Issues related to green pressures and conservation have brought about renewed interest in the use of bio-based materials. Emphasis on the development of renewable, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly industrial fluids, such as lubricants, has resulted in the widespread use of natural oils and fats for non-edible purposes. This chapter reviews the available literature and recently published data related to bio-based raw materials and the chemical modifications of raw materials. Additionally, it analyzes the impacts and benefits of the use of bio-based raw materials as functional fluids or bio-lubricants.