Investigation of palm fatty acid distillate oil as an alternative to petrochemical-based lubricants

The development and application of new sources of lubricant/hydraulic oils for industrial use are rapidly increasing. this study investigated the lubricant and hydraulic properties of palm fatty acid distillate (pfad) as a new,environmental-friendly and renewable source of lubricant and hydraulic oil in different loads and in a standard industrial manufacturing condition. a four-ball tribotester,digital microscope,charge-coupled device (ccd) camera and viscosity meter were used for the investigation. the experiments were done at constant speed (1200 rpm),temperature (75°c) and at running time (60 min),and under five different loading means,200,300,392,500 and 600 n. the main physical properties of pfad: antiwear,anti-friction,flash temperature parameter,the coefficient of friction,wear scar diameter,viscosity and extreme pressure condition,were measured and the results obtained were compared to the physical properties of mineral lubricant/hydraulic oil. the results show that the pfad oil has more lubricant abilities with regard to friction and wear than the commercial engine and hydraulic oils at various loadings.